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Injurious Insects 



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V. L. Kellogg. 



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Note : 

This volume is published by the state of Kansas for free distribu- 
tion WITHIN THE STATE. A COPY WILL BE SENT FREE, THEREFORE, ON APPLICA- 
TION TO THE AUTHOR OR TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ENTOMOLOGY OF THE 
UNIVERSITY, UNTIL THE EDITION (10,000 COPIES) IS EXHAUSTED. EACH 
APPLICATION MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY FIVE CENTS FOR POSTAGE. 



THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS, 



LAWRENCE. 



DEPARTMENT OF ENTOMOLOGY. 

P. H. Snow, Ph. D. 
V. L. Kellogg, M. S. 



Common Injurious Insects 



OF KANSAS. 



BY 



"VERNON L. KELLOGG. 



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THE UNIVERSITY: 

1892. 



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PRESS OF HAMILTON PRINTING COMPANY: 
EDWIN H. SNOW, STATE PRINTER. 



PREFATORY NOTE. 



The fact that Kansas is annually sustaining a large financial loss 
because of the attacks of injurious insects on its cereal, garden and 
fruit crops, a considerable part of which loss is needlessly suffered, 
is excuse for this pamphlet. Only the commoner, or more impor- 
tant, insect pests working within the State are considered. Nor are 
all the important pests included ; though, of cereal pests, I believe 
most, if not all, are included. 

In compiling the information presented herewith, the writings of 
reputable economic entomologists, generally, have been consulted and 
relied on. Brunei- of Nebraska. Comstock of New York, Forbes of Illi- 
nois, Lintner of New York, Osborn of Iowa, Riley of the United States 
Agricultural Department, Saunders of Canada, Smith of New Jersey, 
Weed of New Hampshire, and others, are such entomologists. The Kan- 
sas notes have been derived from the reports of the State Board of 
Agriculture and the State Horticultural Society ; from the published 
notes of Prof. F. H. Snow, of the University of Kansas, Prof. E. A. 
Popenoe, of the State Agricultural College, and Mr. G. C. Brackett, 
secretary of the State Horticultural Society ; and from the unpub- 
lished notes of the Department of Entomology in the University. 
For valuable suggestions constantly offered during the course of com- 
pilation, I am indebted to Chancellor F. H. Snow and Dr. S. W. Wil- 

liston, of the University. 

VERNON L. KELLOGG. 

University of Kansas, November 14, 1892. 



ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. 



My thanks are due Mr. G. C. Brackett, secretary of the Kansas State 
Horticultural Society, who most kindly put at my disposal electrotypes 
of figures 4, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 46 (4), 48, 49, 50, 52, 54. All 
of these figures are original with Dr. C. V. Riley. 

The electrotype of figure 45 was loaned by Prof. E. A. Popenoe, of 
the State Agricultural College, Manhattan. 

The plate so fully illustrating the life-history of the Hessian Fly, 
figure 16, the various parts original with Riley, Burgess, and Packard, 
was loaned by Hon. M. Mohler, secretary of the State Board of Agri- 
culture. 

The plates for all the other figures (excepting figures 1 and 13, both 
after Riley) were made expressly for this volume by A. Zeese & Co., of 
Chicago, from original drawings, and from reduced, rearranged or 
otherwise altered copies of existing plates, as follows: Figures 2, 3, 5> 
7, e of 12, a of 14, a, c of 17, a of 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, b, d, e, /, g, h of 24, 
a of 25, c, d, e of 27, 28 (2), b, d of 29, a of 30, a of 31, a of 32, a of 33, 
c, d of 34, 35 (3), 53, a of 55, 56 (5), 6, c of 57, 59, a of 60, and a, 6, c of 
61, are from original drawings made by Miss Mary Wellman, under 
direction. Figure 6 is a copy of figures selected from plate i (J. H. 
Emerton), First Annual Report of the U. S. Entomological Commission, 
1878; figure 8 is a copy of figures from plate v, Thirteenth Report of the 
Illinois State Entomologist (Prof. S. A. Forbes); figure 9 is after H. A. 
Garman; figures 10 and 11 are copies (reduced and rearranged) in cut- 
line of the colored figures of plates A and B, Seventeenth Report of the 
State Entomologist of Illinois (Prof. S. A. Forbes); a, b, c, d of figure 
12 are figure 6; b and c of figure 14, e and / of 15, figure 18, and b of 
19, are after Riley; c and d of figure 15 are after Glover; b and d of 
figure 17 are after Forbes; a and c of figure 24 are after H. E. Weed; 
b and c of figure 25 are after Curtis; figure 26 is after a cut in the Ameri- 
can Naturalist (Tyroglyphus sacchari); a and b of figure 27, c of figure 
29, b of figure 31, b of figure 32, b of figure 33, are after Riley; b of 
figure 30 is after Scudder; a and b of figure 34 are after Popenoe; a of 
figure 36 is after Riley, and b is after Weed; figure 47 is a rearranged 
copy of portions of a figure original with Riley; figure 51 is after 
Packard and Saunders; b of figure 55 is after Popenoe; a of figure 57 
is after Riley; figure 58 is after Claparede; b and c of figure 60 are 
after Riley. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



PAGE. 

Intboduction, 1 

Remedies, 7 

Spraying and Dusting, 10 

Prevention, 12 

Insects Attacking Ceeeal Ceops: 
Corn Insects: 

Chinch-bug, 13 

Western Corn-root Worm, 17 

Southern Corn-root Worm, 19 

Corn-root Louse, 20 

Corn-louse, 21 

Rocky Mountain Locust, 22 

Garden Web-worm, . 25 

Corn Worm, .27 

Other Insects Attacking Corn, 28 

Wheat Insects: 

Hessian Fly, 29 

Wheat-straw Worm, 35 

Wheat-head Army-worm, 37 

Fall Army-worm, 39 

Other Insects Attacking Wheat, 40 

Insects Attacking Othee Ceeeals and Geasses: 
Injurious Grasshoppers: 

Red-legged Locust, '41 

Differential Locust, . . . .• . . 42 

Two-striped Locust, 42 

Long-winged Locust, 43 

Other Insects Attacking Cereals' and Grasses, 49 

Stoeed-Geain Insects: 

Angoumois Grain Moth, 50 

Grain Weevils, 52 

Flax-seed Mite, 53 

Insects Attacking Gaeden Vegetables: 

Tortoise Beetles, 55 

Squash Bug, 56 

(v) 



VI TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

Insects Attacking Gabden Vegetables — Concluded: 

Harlequin Cabbage Bug, 57 

Imported Cabbage-worm, 59 

Southern Cabbage-worm, 60 

Cabbage Plusia, 61 

Pea Weevil, 62 

Bean Weevil, 63 

Tomato-worm, * 64 

Cucumber Beetle, 65 

Other Insects Attacking Garden Crops, 66 

Insects Attacking Lakge Fbuits: 

Round-headed Apple-tree Borer, 67 

Flat-headed Apple-tree Borer, 69 

Apple-root Louse, 73 

Spring Canker-worm, 75 

Codlin Moth, 78 

Tarnished Plant-bug, 80 

Apple-tree Twig Borer, 81 

Fall Web-worm, 83 

Apple-tree Tent Caterpillar, 85 

Plum Curculio, > .87 

Plum Gouger, 89 

Cherry Aphis, 90 

Peach-tree Borer, 91 

Other Insects Attacking Large Fruits, 92 

Insects Attacking Small Fruits: 

Raspberry Slug, 93 

Strawberry Leaf-roller, 94 

Other Insects Attacking Small Fruits, 95 

Insects Attacking Shade-tbees: 

White-marked Tussock Moth, 96 

Walnut Moth, . 98 

Box-elder Bug, 99 

Green-striped Maple-worm, 101 

Bag-worm, 103 

Other Insects Attacking Shade-trees, 105 

Insects Attacking Flowebs: 

Red Spider, 106 

Rose Slug, 106 

Noxious Insects or the Household: 

Cockroaches, 108 

Buffalo Beetle, 109 

Clothes-moth, 110 

Ants, . . • 112 

Appendix: 

The Horn Fly of Cattle, 113 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



PAGE, 

Angoumois Grain Moth 50 

Apple-root Louse 74 

Apple-tree Tent Caterpillar 85 

Apple-twig Borer 82 

Bag-worm 104 

Bean Weevil 63 

Beetle ( biting) 1 

Box-elder Bug 100 

Buffalo Beetle 109 

Cabbage Plusia 61 

Chinch-bug 13 

Clothes-moth Ill 

Cockroach 108 

Codlin Moth 78 

Corn-root Louse 20 

Corn-louse 21 

Corn Worm 27 

Cucumber Beetle 66 

Differential Locust .... 42, 45 

Fall Army-worm 39 

Fall Web-worm 4, 84 

Flat-headed Apple-tree Borer 70 

Flax-seed Mite 53 

Garden Web-worm 25 

Grain Weevil 52 

Green-striped Maple-worm 101 

Harlequin Cabbage Bug 58 

Hessian Fly 30 

Imported Cabbage-worm . . : 59 

Long-winged Locust 43 

Maple Worm 4 

Pea Weevil 62 

Peach-tree Borer 91 

Plum Curculio 87 

Plum Gouger 89 

Raspberry Slug 93 

Red Spider . , ■ 106 

Rocky Mountain Locust 5, 23, 24 

Round-headed Apple-tree Borer 67, 68 

Southern Cabbage-worm . . 61 

Southern Corn root Worm 19 

Spring Canker-worm 76 

Squash Bug 2, 57 

Strawberry Leaf-roller , 94 

Tarnished Plant-bug 80 

Tomato-worm 2, 65 

(vii) 



Vlll ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Tortoise Booties 55 

Two-striped Locust 44, 45 

Western Corn-root Worm 17 

Wheat-head Army-worm 38 

Wheat-straw Worm 35 

White-marked Tussock Moth 96 

Yellow-necked Apple-tree Caterpillar 98 



Note. — The straight line by the side of an insect illustration indicates the natural 
size of the insect; where this line is wanting, and it is not otherwise stated to be en- 
larged, the cut is of the natural size of the insect. 



INTRODUCTION. 



The knowledge of entomology desired by farmers is, as a rule, 
limited by the actual demands of profitable farming. A knowl- 
edge of the life-histories of the Chinch-bug and Hessian Fly is 
certainly a necessary requisite of the most profitable farming in 
Kansas; one might even say of any profitable farming. The 
fruit-grower should know something about borers and Codlin 
Moths as well as about grafting. But more than this necessary 
entomological knowledge — and this knowledge is all gathered 
about the practical application of it, the how and why of remedies 
— is not being loudly called for by the grain- and vegetable- and 
fruit-growers. Hence entomological text-books are not crowding 
everything else off the parlor tables in the farm homes ; and a bug 
is a bug and not much else, to the worker in the fields. It is a 
fact, however, that the men who do pay some attention to the 
bugs are helping themselves. For the intelligent application of 
insecticides (insect-killing substances), some little should be known 

of the general economy of insect life, 
and that little may be briefly told. 

Broadly speaking, insects may be 
divided into two great groups, namely, 
biting insects and sucking insects. 
The biting insects have jaws, or man- 
dibles, moving laterally, instead of 
vertically as with us, and fitted for 
tearing off and masticating foliage, 
fruits, bark, and even hard wood. 
They take into their mouths and swal- 
low the succulent tissues of the plant 
leaf or the dry, tough fibers of woody 
tissue. They take " solid food." The 
beetles and the grasshoppers are in- 
sects possessing typical biting mouth- 




FlG. i. 



m B on™arS thbiting parts. The sucking insects, on the 



INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 



other hand, have the mouth-parts more 
or less completely combined into a hollow, 
pointed beak, which may be thrust through 
protecting outer envelopes to get at the 
juices of plants and even animals. The 
sucking insects live on liquid food. The 
true bugs, including such well-known 
forms as the Chinch-bug, Squash-bug, and 
the plant-lice, are insects possessing typ- 
ical sucking beaks. 

This broad distinction between biting 
and sucking insects is an attractive one, 
but, unfortunately for its immediate use 

as a basis for generalizations concerning practical work, compli- 
cations arise because of the wonderful character of the growth of 
certain insects. While the young of the Chinch-bug much re- 
semble the parent, having a true sucking beak, and lacking only 
the wings which are present in the adult, the young of the but- 
terfly or of the moth do not at all resemble the parent forms, and, 
correlated with the difference in resemblance, have wholly differ- 
ent habits. The adult Tomato-worm Moth, for example, has a 




Fig. 2. Squash-bug, with 
sucking mouth-parts. 




Fig. 3. Tomato wokm. 



long, slender tube, which serves for sucking up honey from the 
deep nectaries of flowers ; , the young of this moth is the great* 
disgusting, green "worm," or, more properly, caterpillar, which is 
furnished with a pair of strong, biting jaws. Thus we have an 
insect which, in one stage of its life, is a biting insect, and, in an- 
other stage, is a sucking insect. 

This difference between the different stages of insect life tends 
to make the study of insects, as taken up by the economic ento- 
mologist, more difficult than at first sight it might appear to be. 
When we speak of biting insects, we must include in our minds 
not only those insects which, as adults, are biting, but we must 



INTRODUCTION. 6 

have in mind, also, the young form of certain orders of insects 
which, as adults, are really sucking insects. 

When we come to consider remedies, it is evident at once that 
remedies whose effectiveness consists in the fact that the foliage 
which is eaten by the insects is poisoned by being covered with a 
coating of some arsenical mixture cannot be used against sucking 
insects who get their food from the inside of the leaves. And it 
is evident that barriers around tree trunks, or around plats of 
ground, which might surely prevent the progress of the wingless 
caterpillars and worms, would not at all prevent the winged adult 
forms (the moths, etc.) of the insects — which adult forms lay the 
eggs from which the caterpillars are hatched — from getting into 
the tree tops, or into the plats of ground. 

It is important to discover at what time in an insect's life reme- 
dies may be best applied; different remedies will be demanded by 
the different life-stages of the same insect. The life-stages of in- 
sects should be pretty fairly understood by anyone who hopes to 
carry on an intelligently-directed warfare with the insect pests of 
his farm or garden. First, there is the egg — deposited usually on 
the food-plant of the insect, so that the newly-hatched larvae or 
caterpillars may run no risk of starving while hunting for their 
proper food. Often the insect may be veritably nipped in the bud, 
if we may become acquainted with its favorite place of oviposition, 
and destroy the eggs. Or, by protecting the plant, we may pre- 
vent the laying of eggs on it. ( See recommendations for Spring 
Canker-worm.) 

The second stage is, in insects which undergo a complete meta- 
morphosis, the worm-like, caterpillar, grub or maggot stage, the 
young of various insects being thus variously termed. By ento- 
mologists this is called the larval stage, and the young, whether 
grub or maggot or caterpillar, is called the larva. This term will 
be used frequently in the succeeding pages, and its meaning should 
be remembered. In this stage most insect injury is done. The 
larva? of moths and butterflies are the voracious caterpillars, as 
those of the Codlin Moth, the Tomato- worm, theWheat-head Army- 
worm, the Garden Web-worm, the Fall Army-worm, the Spring 
Canker-worm, the Fall Web-worm, the Bag-worm, the Maple- 
worm, the Walnut-moth Worm, the Tussock-moth Worm, and 
the Clothes-moth Worm. The adult or moth forms of these in- 
sects are absolutely innoxious so far as devouring plant tissue 



INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 




goes, but from them come the eggs from which the ravaging 
larva? issue. 

The next stage is the pupal or chrysalid stage, in which the in- 
sect lies inactive within a hard protecting shell or case. This 

stage is passed either in 
the ground or in some 
place of shelter beneath 
stones, or boards, in crev- 
ices of bark, or even bur- 
ied in seeds (as with the 
Pea- and Bean-weevils), 
or in the trunks of trees 
(as with the Apple-tree 
Borer). The changing 
from the larval stage to 

Fig. 4. Fall Web-worm Moth, an insect which un- # p ° 

dergoes" complete metamorphosis;" a, larval form; this quiescent Or pupal 
&, pupal form; c, adult or moth form. , . 

stage is called pupation, 
or, the larva is said to pupate. These terms are frequently used 
hereafter. During this stage the insect takes no food, but is un- 
dergoing within its protecting case the marvelous changes in 
bodily structure which result in 
the issuance of the beautiful 
white- and rose-tinted moth, 
with its four wings and deli- 
cate sucking tube, from a chrys- 
alis which was formed by the 
pupation of the crawling, bit- 
ing, sluggish, green Maple- 
worm. 

The fourth stage is that of 
the adult insect; the one real 
mission of which is the perpet- 
uation of the species. As be- 
fore said, no injury is done by 
the adult moths and butterflies, nor by the four-winged hymen- 
opterous insects, (the Raspberry- and Rose-slug Saw-flies,) but 
many beetles are seriously injurious in the adult stage, as the 
Cucumber Beetle and others. 

All insects, however, do not undergo such a complete metamor- 
phosis, and four distinct stages cannot be made out in the lives 





Fig. 5. Maple Worm; a, adult or moth; 
6, larva or "worm." 



INTRODUCTION. 



of many. The grasshoppers, crickets, and cockroaches, and the 
sucking bugs, including the Chinch-bug and Squash-bug and the 
plant-lice, do not have a quiescent pupal stage. The young, when 
hatched from the egg, resemble the parent form, having the same 






Fig. 6. 



Eocky Mountain Locust, an insect which undergoes "'incomplete meta- 
morphosis; " a, b, c, young forms; d, adult. 



kind of mouth-parts, but lacking wings. The wings soon begin 
to appear as small pads, which grow larger as the insect increases 
in size. The insect moults or casts its skin several times before 
reaching maturity, and at each moulting the wing-pads are seen 
to be considerably larger than before. The young of these insects 
sometimes differ in color from the adults, e. g., young Chinch-bugs 
are red, the adults blackish. These insects are said to undergo 
an incomplete metamorphosis, the immature forms being active 
all the time, feeding all the time, and, what is important to us, 
injurious all the time. We are talking now, of course, of injuri- 
ous species. 

It is necessary, then, to know something of the structural char- 
acters and the life-history of each insect pest with which we wish 
to cope. Where and when are the eggs laid? What are the 
characters and habits of the young? What is the duration of 
the larval stage? Where and when does pupation take place? 
duration of pupal state? time of appearance and egg-laying of 
adults? in what life-stage does the insect hibernate? These and 
many other questions are to be answered before the economic en- 
tomologist can see his way to the most feasible method of fighting 
the insect pest under consideration. 



6 INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 

In the succeeding pages the life-history and characters of each 
pest considered are briefly given. The rationale of the remedies 
proposed is thus made plain, and suggestions may come to some 
looking to the discovery of new remedies, or to the application of 
others not mentioned. The "Diagnoses" will serve to determine 
the specific pest which may be at work in the grain, vegetable or 
fruit attacked. I have included in the diagnoses the character- 
istics of the injury done, as well as the prominent characters of 
the insect pest in that life-stage in which the injury is done. The 
diagnoses may nearly serve as a sort of key for the determination 
of the 50 and more insect pests discussed. As to remedies, in 
order to save a tiresome repetition, and more especially to econo- 
mize space, I have, in the following chapter, considered each of 
the more important insecticides in some detail, defining their char- 
acter and giving approved methods of preparation and applica- 
tion. Under the head " Remedies " for each insect pest, the names 
of the suitable insecticides to be used are given, referring to the 
special chapter on remedies for the necessary information as to 
mode of use. The "Kansas Notes," finally, will be of interest to 
inquiring minds, and may be of some use to working entomolo- 
gists. 



REMEDIES. 



Remedies for the ravages of injurious insects may be conven • 
iently grouped under two heads : preventive remedies and active 
remedies. Among the preventive remedies are classed such meas- 
ures as early seeding (see Wheat Midge) and late seeding (see 
Hessian Fly), the rotation of crops (see Corn-root Worm), pro- 
tecting plants by screens (see Cucumber Beetle), mechanical bar- 
riers (see Spring Canker-worm), repellant washes (see Apple-tree 
Borer), and other means of preventing the laying of eggs on the 
food-plant or the accession of the living pests to the plant. The 
active remedies include those measures taken for the direct de- 
struction of the pests, such as hand-picking (see Tomato- worm), 
trapping (see Squash-bug), crushing or burning (see Injurious 
Grasshoppers), or the use of insecticides. 

The intelligent use of insecticidal substances by agriculturists 
and horticulturists is the means of a great annual saving. The 
most prominent apple-grower in Kansas, whose annual sales of 
fruit amount to nearly $50,000, attributes his remarkable success 
in fruit-growing largely to the liberal use of insecticides. His 
spraying operations are conducted on a scale commensurate with 
his extensive orchards, and his results attest the great value if 
not actual necessity of an intelligent warfare against insect pests 
carried on by the fruit-raiser. 

The insecticides in present use may be considered under two 
heads : First, the internal poisons, taking effect by being eaten 
with the ordinary food of the insect; second, the external irri- 
tants, taking effect by closing the breathing pores (insects do not 
breathe through their mouths, but by means of small holes, a row 
of which is situated on each side of the body), or by extreme irri- 
tation of the body tissues. 

The most important of the internal poisons are the arsenical 
poisons, Paris green and London purple. 

PARIS GREEN, or arsenite of copper, containing hb per cent, to 
60 per cent, of insoluble arsenic, retailing at drug stores at about 
23 cents a pound. For spraying (see directions and information 

(7) 



8 INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 

as to machines, page 10), the Paris green should be mixed (it is 
insoluble, and only a mechanical mixture is obtained ) with water, 
in the proportion of one pound to 150 to 200 gallons of water. 
The proportion, however, -must vary with varying conditions of 
spraying. If the poison is applied too strong to the foliage of 
plants it is very destructive. The susceptibility to the influence 
of the poison varies in different plants. The foliage of peach 
trees is very easily injured, and the proportion of Paris green to 
water should not exceed one pound to 300 gallons. For apple, 
plum, and cherry, one pound to 200 gallons is safe, and yet ef- 
fective in killing the insects. The corrosive power of the poisons 
may be much lessened if a quart of common flour for every 12 
gallons of water is introduced into the mixture (Riley). In 
spraying the same trees several times during a season, the later 
applications should not be as strong as the earlier ones (Fletcher). 
In making the poisonous mixture, the Paris green should be mixed 
up with a small amount of water, as a paste, and the bulk of the 
water then added. The mixing must be effectively done ; a thor- 
ough churning, by use of a force-pump, does it well ; and during 
the spraying the mixture should be kept well stirred. The Paris 
green is rather heavy, and soon sinks to the bottom if left long 
undisturbed. 

LONDON PURPLE, a by-product obtained in the manufacture of 
aniline dyes, containing a large percentage of arsenite of lime, and, 
in addition, some soluble arsenious acid. The total arsenic per- 
centage is about the same as in Paris green. London purple is 
lighter and more finely divided than Paris green, and hence re- 
mains in suspension better in the water. The soluble arsenic, 
however, renders the danger of scorching the foliage more real ; 
but the addition of lime will prevent almost all injury to foliage 
(Gillette). One pound of London purple to 200 gallons of water, 
with a pail or two of milk of lime, is recommended as the most 
approved formula (Smith). London purple costs less than Paris 
green, retailing at drug stores at about 15 cents a pound. 

Either Paris green or London purple may be used dry. The 
poison should be mixed with 100 times its weight of perfectly dry 
land-plaster, air-slaked lime, flour, or sifted wood ashes, and dusted 
on the foliage ( Fletcher). 

The most important external irritant is a 



REMEDIES. 9 

KEROSENE EMULSION. Kerosene is a contact poison, possessing 
great penetrating powers. It has long been known, used pure, as 
a powerful insecticide, but its strength made it as dangerous to 
foliage as to the insects. Prepared as an emulsion, however, it is 
safe as regards foliage, and yet effective as an insect-killing sub- 
stance. The emulsion should be prepared by the following for- 
mula : 

Hard soap i pound. 

Water 1 gallon. 

Kerosene 2 gallons. 

The soap should be dissolved in boiling hot water, and the suds 
poured, boiling hot, into the kerosene. The suds and kerosene 
should be thoroughly churned (preferably by means of a force- 
pump) until the emulsion is well made. It should appear as a 
rich, creamy mass. As it cools it thickens, jelly-like. When us- 
ing, this stock emulsion should be diluted with from 9 to 12 times 
its measure of water. Thus, one gallon of stock emulsion will 
make 10 gallons of the emulsion ready to be sprayed. The emul- 
sion is used against insects which cannot be killed by the use of 
arsenical poisons, such as plant-lice, scale insects, and various 
sucking bugs. 

PYRETHRUM, a vegetable insect poison, acting by external contact. 
It is got by pulverizing the flowers of certain species of Pyrethrum. 
Its essential poisonous principle is a volatile oil, which escapes on 
the long standing of the powder. It is therefore absolutely nec- 
essary that fresh pyrethrum be obtained if any favorable results 
are to be expected. The reason for so many reported failures in 
using pyrethrum as an insecticide is undoubtedly found in the 
fact that stale powder was used. Persian Insect Powder, Cali- 
fornia Buhach, Dalmatian Insect Powder, are other names for 
pyrethrum. In inquiring at the druggist's, one should ask for 
fresh California Buhach, and for the best, and should insist on 
the freshness and the quality. While the powder is extremely 
active in its destructive effects on insects, it is practically harm- 
less to human beings and household animals. The powder should 
be mixed with twice its bulk of rye flour, and kept in tight jars 
for two or three days, when the entire mass will be as effective as 
the pure powder (Smith). Common flour may be used, and the 
proportion vary from two to five times the bulk of the pyrethrum. 
It should be dusted over the insect-infested foliage when the pests 



10 INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 

are at work, so that it will come in contact with the bodies at 
once. It soon loses its power when exposed to the atmosphere. 
It can also be used mixed with water, one ounce to two or three 
gallons of water. 

Pyrethrum is especially available for work in gardens, green- 
houses, and hot-houses, and in the house. Many household pests, 
as flies, mosquitos, and wasps, may be quickly affected by throw- 
ing a small quantity of the powder into the air of a room by 
means of an insect gun or bellows, or by igniting a small quan- 
tity (a teaspoonful) and allowing it to smoulder (Fletcher). 
Pyrethrum retails at about 50 cents a pound. 

WHITE HELLEBORE, a vegetable insecticide, being the finely- 
powdered roots of Veratrum album, of the lily family. Its effects 
and mode of use are similar to those of pyrethrum. It is espe- 
cially commended as a remedy for the slugs of the various Saw- 
flies (see Raspberry- and Rose-slugs). It costs, at retail, about 
75 cents a pound. 

BI-SULPHIDE OF CARBON, a powerful, highly inflammable and 
poisonous insect-killing substance. It is very volatile, and its 
fumes are deadly to insect life. It is especially available for 
destroying insects attacking stored grain, where the fumes can 
be made to permeate the contents of a tight bin. In using it, ex- 
treme care should be taken that no burning substance, lighted 
lamp, lantern, etc., be brought near it while being used. It is a 
liquid, being put up in one-pound cans, which retail for about 25 
cents each. 

Tobacco, benzine, gasoline, carbolic acid,, naphthaline, fish-oil 
soaps, lime, gas-tar, etc., are all insecticides of greater or less value, 
and available under various conditions. Wherever special reme- 
dies are recommended in this little manual, directions for their 
use will be found. 

SPRAYING AND DUSTING. 

The successful application of the Paris green and London pur- 
ple mixtures and the kerosene emulsion on a large scale to fruit 
trees and small-fruit bushes and vegetables is a matter of much 
importance. Spraying outfits are of all grades of effectiveness 
and price. Anyone purposing to purchase a spraying outfit 
should write to various firms for their catalogues and lists, and 



REMEDIES. 11 

decide for himself what outfit will best serve his purpose. The 
following firms manufacture outfits for spraying and dusting : 

Field Fobce-Pump Company, Lockport, N. T. 

P. C. Lewis, CatskiU, N. Y. 

M. J. Caswell, Box 17, Sandusky, Ohio. 

Goulds Manufactubing Company, Seneca Falls, N. Y. 

Nixon Nozzle and Machine Company, Dayton, Ohio. 

Thos. Woodason, 451 E. Cambria st., Philadelphia, Pa. 

Albinson & Teusheim, 2026 Fourteenth st., Washington, D. C. 

Adam Weabeb, Vineland, N. J. 

Leggett & Bbo., 301 Pearl st., New York. 

The essential points in a spraying outfit are a good force-pump 
and a good nozzle, which will project the liquid in a fine, evenly- 
divided spray. If little work is to be done, an ordinary force- 
pump with a piece of rubber hose and a spray nozzle will answer 
the purpose. If a considerable amount of spraying is to be done, 
specially adapted machinery should be used. Those pumps hav- 
ing the parts that come in contact with the liquid made of brass 
are the most durable, and although more expensive than those 
made of iron, the extra cost is a small item when the difference 
in durability is considered (Beckwith). For work in gardens or 
where low plants are to be sprayed, "knapsack sprayers," con- 
sisting of a thin copper tank holding from four to five gallons of 
the spraying mixture, with light force-pump attachment, are suf- 
ficient. For general orchard work, a machine mounted on wheels 
or arranged to be carried in a wagon is needed. The Riley or 
Cyclone and the Mxon are the best nozzles to use. 

For applying dry insecticides, machines such as Leggett's Paris 
green gun or the Woodason bellows should be used. By means 
of a revolving fan blower or by other means, the powder is forced 
out in a perfect dust-cloud. 

Home-made contrivances may be used to a limited extent; but 
they are likely to be not only ineffective, but, in the end, more 
costly than specially-prepared machines. Mr. James Fletcher, 
entomologist to the Canadian Department of Agriculture, says, 
on this point: 

After considerable experience, I have come to the conclusion that it 
will repay anyone who has to apply insecticides to go to the expense of 
procuring a pair of proper bellows for dry mixtures, and a force-pump 
ifor liquid applications. Such make-shift contrivances as ordinary 
watering cans, whisks, wisps of hay, or bunches of leaves, which are 



12 INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 

frequently used, actually cost far more in wasted time and materials 
than would pay for the best special instruments; added to which, when 
the work is done, it is neither satisfactory nor effective. 

Some objection has been made to the use of arsenical poisons 
on fruit-trees, but repeated experiments by careful men have con- 
clusively proved the absence of sound basis for this objection. 
Arsenic is not absorbed by fruits or plants, and as the applications 
are made while the fruit is very small, giving opportunity for the 
minute quantity of poison to be washed off by rains and blown 
off by winds, no danger is incurred. 

PREVENTION. 

As elsewhere, an "ounce of prevention is worth a pound of 
cure" in fighting insects. Preventive remedies are the surest, 
cheapest, and, at present, least used of all remedial measures. It 
seems wasteful to fight bugs when there are apparently no bugs 
to fight. High cultivation is the most general preventive remedy. 
A weak plant inevitably succumbs to the attacks of insects sooner 
than a strong plant. The many natural enemies of the various 
insect pests will often prove effective in saving the crop, if the 
crop can maintain itself against the invaders long enough for the 
massing of these enemies against the destructive insect species. 
The time that a crop can maintain itself in the face of insect at- 
tack certainly varies with the condition of the crop at the time of 
the attack. A well-fed, healthy crop will stand more than a 
starved one. 

Cleanliness of the farm, garden or orchard is an important pre- 
ventive remedy. Many noxious insects hibernate, as adults, in 
brush heaps and rubbish of various kinds. This is especially true 
of the Hemiptera, the sucking bugs. Early or late seeding and 
crop rotation are evidently preventive remedies, and, where ap- 
plicable, usually the most effective of any remedies available. 

Covering the trunks of fruit trees with an alkaline or poison- 
ous wash, to prevent the attacks of borers ; coating young apples 
with arsenic, to prevent the young Codlin Moth larva? from get- 
ting into the fruit ; mechanical contrivances to prevent the lay- 
ing of eggs on the food-plant, or the access of the insect in its 
destructive stage, such as covering plants with screens and encir- 
cling tree trunks with barriers, to prevent the ascent of foliage- 
eaters, are preventive remedies of a "deterrent" (Fletcher) nature- 



INSECTS ATTACKING CEREAL CROPS. 

COKN INSECTS. 



CHINCH-BUG-. 

(Blissus leucopterus Say; Order, Hemiptera.) 

Diagnosis. — A small dark-colored bug with white wings, a dark 
triangular spot on each, in great numbers on the corn stalks and 
growing leaves, sucking the juices from the plant; the corn turns 
yellow and withers. The bugs are often in such numbers as to 
blacken considerable spaces on the corn plants. 

Attacking also wheat, millet, and other cereals, and grasses. 






Fig. 7. Chinch-bug; a, adult; b, young with prominent wing-pads; c, very young 
or "red bug;' 1 d, adult killed by the Sporutrichum fungus and covered by it. 

(13) 



14 INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 

Description and Life-history. — The Chinch-bug is unfortunately 
a familiar object to Kansas farmers. It is when adult about one- 
sixth of an inch in length, four-winged, the two front wings white, 
with a small triangular black dot about the middle of the outer 
margin. The young resemble the adult in general shape, but lack 
wings, or have merely short wing-pads. When very young the 
bugs are bright red. The bug is injurious in all stages, young, 
half-grown, and adult. 

The eggs are laid in the spring (from middle of March to mid- 
dle of May) by bugs which have hibernated in the adult stage. 
The eggs are laid a few at a time, perhaps 500 being laid by 
each female. The young "red bugs" begin work in the wheat 
fields, and usually remain in the wheat until harvest ( last of June 
to middle of July), when the destructive host moves into the 
fields of young and growing corn. It requires about six weeks 
for the maturing of the bugs. The adults now pair and the cycle 
of a new generation begins. The perfect insects of this genera- 
tion are those which pass through the winter and lay the eggs the 
following spring for the next year's first brood. It is highly prob- 
able if not certain that a third brood often appears in Kansas. 

The Chinch-bug, though winged, uses its powers of flight but 
little, and its migrations from wheat to corn fields in July are 
usually on foot. The wings are used to some degree at pairing 
time. 

Remedies. — The gathering together of all rubbish, old corn 
stalks, dead leaves, etc., in which old bugs pass the winter, and 
burning it, will destroy many parent bugs, thereby largely lessen- 
ing the spring brood. 

High cultivation, to enable the plants to withstand the attacks 
of the pests. 

Disputing the entrance of the bugs into the field, when migrat- 
ing on foot, by plowing furrows around the field and pouring coal- 
tar into the ditches. 

There are several natural remedies, namely, the attacks of pre- 
daceous insects, as aphis-lions, lady-birds, and others, and the 
attacks of some birds, as the common quail. 

Most effective of all, however, has proved the artificial dissem- 
ination of contagious diseases among the bugs. The practical 
application of this method, which has been attended with marked 
and gratifying success, is to be credited to Prof. F. H. Snow, of 



INSECTS ATTACKING CORN. 15 

this Department. His experiments have been carried on for three 
years, and the arrangements for spreading the diseases over the 
State, whenever the Chinch-bugs appear, are very complete. 

The diseases are caused by the parasitic growth on or in the 
bugs of at least two different fungi (Sporotrichum globuliferum 
Spegazinni) and Empusa aphidis Hoffmau) and one bacterial form 
(Micrococcus insectorum Burrill). The remedy is effective for the 
same reason that if, in time of war, enemies were to send into a 
large city, as New York, men sick with the small-pox or Asiatic 
cholera, the infection would rapidly spread among the massed 
people of the city and wholesale destruction of life would 
result. So with the Chinch-bugs massed in the Kansas corn fields, 
when dying and dead bugs bearing with them the germs and 
spores of contagious diseases are introduced. For a full and ex- 
haustive account of the experiments in this line, under Professor 
Snow's direction, reference should be made to the " First Annual 
Report of the Director of the Experimental Station of the Uni- 
versity of Kansas, April, 1892," 230 pp., four plates, which will 
be sent on application, accompanied by 7 cents for postage, to 
this Department. Infected bugs will be sent to any farmer in 
the State applying for them. The following directions for obtain- 
ing and using the infected bugs are quoted from Professor Snow's 
report : 

In order to keep up our supply of infected bugs, we must require 
that each person sending for infection send us live bugs from the field. 
These should be put into a tin box (a baking-powder box is excellent for 
this purpose), without soil, and with a supply of green wheat or corn- 
The box should have a tight-fitting cover, and no holes need to be made. 
We have found that the bugs reach us in the best condition when sent 
us in this way. 

Upon receipt of infected bugs from the station, a shallow box about 
24x36x6 inches, with tight joints, should be provided. Sprinkle the 
whole inside of the box with water and put in enough green wheat or 
corn to cover the bottom. Scatter the infected bags over the bottom 
and put in a large quantity of live bugs from the field; a quart would 
not be too many for a box of the size above suggested. A smaller box 
may be used for a smaller quantity of bugs. After the bugs have re- 
mained in the box two days, remove half of them, alive and dead, and 
scatter them over that part of the field where the bugs are thickest; at 
the same time replenish the infection box with more bugs from the 
field. Continue to scatter bugs from the infection box over the field at 
intervals of two days, until it is seen that the bugs are dying rapidly all 



16 INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 

over the field. Keep the box moist by repeated sprinkling and change 
the green food as often as it loses its freshness. 

Careful attention to these directions will often insure success where 
careless use of the infection would fail. Make daily notes on the ap- 
pearance of the bugs in the infection box and in the field, and of the 
weather while the field infection is in progress. Note carefully the 
Chinch-bug conditions in neighboring fields. Keep a list of farmers 
who get infected bugs from your field. 

Save a quantity of fungus covered and non-fungus-covered dead bugs 
in a tin box for use the following year. Put the infection box away 
for future use. 

Should the first lot of infected bugs from the station seem to fail in 
their purpose, send without delay for a new supply. 

Do not fail to send a full report of the experiment to the director of the 
station. 

Kansas Notes. — The Chinch-bug was first known in the Missis- 
sippi valley in 1823. (See S. A. Forbes, in Insect Life, Vol. i, 
No. 8, p. 249.) 

I am unable to find matter showing the time of the first recog- 
nition of the Chinch-bug as a pest in Kansas. In 1871 ¥m. 
Le Baron, State Entomologist of Illinois, writing to the Prairie 
Farmer (August 5), says that hosts of Chinch-bugs "have devas- 
tated the fields of spring wheat and barley all through the cen- 
tral counties of Illinois, and also in parts of Iowa, Missouri, 
Kansas, and the southern border of Nebraska." 

Townend Glover, U. S. Entomologist, in the report of the U. 
S. Commissioner of Agriculture for 1871, states that the Chinch- 
bug has been very destructive in Iowa, Kansas, and the North- 
western States. 

Beginning with 1873, the Prairie Farmer continuously refers, 
by means of letters from correspondents, to the presence of the 
Chinch-bug in greater or less numbers in Kansas. 

In the report of the U. S. Commissioner of Agriculture for 
1874, Mr. Glover reports that 27 Kansas counties sustained losses 
from Chinch-bugs. 

I have been able to find enough data on Chinch-bug occur- 
rence since 1883 to say that the Chinch-bugs did not occur in 
alarming numbers in 1884 and 1885; that they were present in 
force in 1886, 1887, and 1888; not present in 1889 and 1890, and 
were present in 1891 and 1892. 



INSECTS ATTACKING COEN. 



17 



•WESTERN CORN-BOOT WORM. 

(Diabrotica longicornis Say; Order, Coleoptera.) 

Diagnosis. — Stalks of corn wilt ; fall over easily, a strong wind 
blowing down many. In the roots and in the soil about the roots 
are to be found small (i to \ inch long) white six-legged grubs. 

Description and Life-history. — The adult is a small beetle 
about one-fourth inch long, plain greenish-brown to grass green, 
without spots or stripes, belonging to the leaf-eating family Chrys- 
omelidse. The eggs are laid in the ground in the fall near the 




Fig. 8. Western Cobn-boot Wobm; a, adult; 6, pupa; c, larva; d, larva In corn root. 



roots of corn. The larvae or "worms" are hatched in May and 
June,. after the ground has been plowed and planted to corn. It 
is in this worm stage that the injury is done. The worm is from 
one-fourth to one-half inch long, six-legged, soft, and white, with 
a small brown head. The worms burrow into the roots of corn, 
eating their way upward. As many as 15 or 20 may attack a 
single hill. The corn is stunted in growth, and because of the 
loss of its roots topples over easily. Many stalks will not be two 
feet high ; others of the usual height will form no ears ; and some 
will hardly tassel. 

Remedies. — So far as at present known, the insect has no other 
food-plant than corn, and this suggests at once an effective rem- 
edy, namely, the rotation of crops and consequent starving of the 
insect. The eggs being laid in the fall in the corn field, it is evi- 
dent that, if some other crop than corn be planted on the ground 
the next spring, the larvae hatching in May and June will be 
starved to death. 

—2. 



18 INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 

High cultivation is, of course, beneficial in strengthening at- 
tacked corn, which may be able to send out new roots to replace 
those destroyed by the insect. In moist, rich ground the corn will 
probably successfully resist ordinary attacks of the worm. From 
their subterranean situation, the larvae cannot be got at by birds. 

Kansas Notes. — This corn pest has been known in Kansas for 
10 years or more. Prof. E. A. Popenoe called attention to it in 
1883 (Third Biennial Report Kansas State Board of Agricul- 
ture, 1881-82, p. 616), as at work "in the corn lands along the 
Kaw valley." Professor Snow reported its presence in 1885 (Re- 
port of Kansas State Board of Agriculture for quarter ending 
December 31, 1885). A correspondent from Johnson county, 
quoted by Professor Snow, declares that a 20-acre field of corn 
will not make 15 bushels per acre because of the ravages of the 
pest. 

In 1891 several specimens of the insect and reports of its rav- 
ages were received by this Department. A correspondent in 
Coffey county wrote: "They have been in our field for several 
years. . . . This year they have spread so rapidly that it is 
alarming." 

Mr. S. J. Hunter, a student of this Department, reports the 
presence of the pest in damaging numbers this year in the vicin- 
ity of Greeley, Anderson county. One-third of a field of 30 acres 
is damaged to the extent of one-half the crop. The piece has 
been in corn for six consecutive years. An adjoining field of 14 
acres will yield but one-third of a crop because of the ravages of 
the pest. On Mr. Hunter's own field of 35 acres, fully 5 per 
cent, of the corn plants are infested. Several other fields in the 
vicinity have been seriously damaged. The loss in this neigh- 
borhood, this year, will amount to several hundred dollars. All 
of the attacked fields have been planted to corn for several con- 
secutive years. 



INSECTS ATTACKING CORN. 



19 



SOUTHERN CORN-ROOT WORM. 

(Diabrotica 12-punctata Oliv.; Order, Coleoptera.) 

Diagnosis. — Same as for Western Corn-root Worm. 

Description and Life-history. — The larva, or "jjworm," cannot 
easily, if at all, be distinguished from 1 the Western Corn-root 
Worm. The adult is a small, yellow beetle, J with 12 black spots 

on its back (wing covers), and 
with a black head. This in- 
sect is closely allied to the 
Western Corn-root Worm, 
but differs from it in feeding 
upon a great variety of vege- 
tation, garden crops as well 
as corn being attacked. It 
has a more southern habitat 
than the western form. It is 
also two-brooded, "eggs for 
the first brood being *depos- 
ited in spring, about the roots 
of young corn; the second 
brood usually developing 
upon the roots of certain wild plants, especially those of the 
Composite family." 

Remedies. — As this insect is not restricted to one food-plant, it 
cannot be starved out. So far, no practicable remedy has been 
found for this pest in its corn-infesting stage. As recommended 
for the Western Corn-root Worm, high cultivation will aid the 
corn in resisting the attacks of the pest. 

Kansas Notes. — In 1891 a correspondent in Bourbon county 
sent in specimens of the adult beetle. The correspondent be- 
lieved that his corn was being injured by this pest. Mr. S. J. 
Hunter found a few specimens of 12-punctata in Anderson county 
fields infested with longicornis. ( See Western Corn-root Worm.) 

I have this year seen many specimens in a Lyon county corn- 
field. 




Fig. 9. Southern Corn-koot Worm; 
a, larva: 6, pupa; c, adult. 



20 INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 



CORN-ROOT LOUSE. 

(Aphis maidi-radicis Forbes; Order, Hemiptera.) 

Diagnosis. — Corn plants grow slowly, or not at all ; appear yel- 
low and sickly. Examination of the roots reveals small bluish- 
green particles, masses of lice. 

Description and Life-history. — This minute insect, one of the 
plant-lice, has until lately been believed to be a root form of the 
Corn-louse which lives above ground on the leaves and stalks. 




~Eig. 10. Cokn-koot Louse; a, winged female; b, wingless female (stem-mother); 
c, wingless, egg-laying female; d, pupa. 

Professor Forbes, of Illinois, has clearly shown the distinctiveness 
of the two forms. With proper magnification by a microscope, 
the Corn-root Louse appears as a wingless, soft-bodied, bluish- 
green, sub-ovoid insect; or it may have four transparent mem- 
branous wings. 

The louse passes the winter in the egg state in the nests of cer- 
tain small, brown ants (Lasius brunneus var. alienus), which ants 
are always found associated with the lice. The young lice hatch 
in April, and begin to feed upon the roots of young smart-weed 
plants (Polygonum); and later upon the common crab-grass 
(Setaria). As soon, however, as the corn is planted and begins 
growing, the lice go to the corn roots, and there live. In October 
the eggs for next year's generation are laid. 

Remedies. — As the young lice are usually hatched before the 
corn is planted, and have to live on other plant roots, as smart- 
weed and crab-grass, any means for keeping down the sprouting 
herbage in the fields in early spring will tend to starve the young 
lice. It has been found that the young lice cannot live more than 
five days without food. "Any treatment of the field the preced- 
ing summer or fall which should diminish the number of seeds of 



INSECTS ATTACKING CORN. 21 

pigeon grass or smart-weed maturing in the corn would diminish 
likewise the chances of survival of young root-lice the following 
year." 

Kansas Notes. — This insect has not been very generally ob- 
served in the State, but it is undoubtedly more common than 
indicated by the lack of observations. 



CORN-LOUSE. 
(Aphis tnaidis Fitch; Order, Hemiptera.) 

Diagnosis. — Many minute soft, green insects on the stalks, 
leaves, or tassels; small brown ants running up and down the 
stalks ; wilting of the corn leaves. 

Description and Life-history. — Very small, soft-bodied, apple- 
green insects; body elliptical or slightly ovate in outline. The 




Fig. 11. Cokn-lotjse; a, winged female; b, pupa; c, wingless female. 

insects are mostly wingless, though in the late fall winged speci 
mens may be found. The eggs are laid in the fall and hatch the 
following spring. 

Remedies. — There are so many natural enemies of the plant- 
lice that they are rarely permitted to do serious damage, despite 
their extraordinary prolificness. Several species of lady-beetles 
feed on the Corn-louse. The lice could be easily destroyed by the 
use of kerosene emulsion (see p. 9), but this would be imprac- 
ticable as a general remedy in fields. 

Kansas Notes. — Prof. E. A. Popenoe found this insect attack- 
ing cane in southern Kansas in 1882. 

A correspondent in Brown county wrote this Department un- 
der date of June 2, 1891, sending specimens of the louse and re- 



22 INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 

porting its attacks on sprouting corn. The correspondent said : 
" When the corn is almost through the ground, the lice collect on 
the sprout as thick as they can possibly hang, when in a day or 
two the sprout withers and dies." Specimens were taken in a 
corn field in Riley county, August 1, this year (1892). 



ROOKY MOUNTAIN LOCUST. 

(Melanoplus spretus Thomas; Order, Orthoptera.) 

Diagnosis. — A locust or grasshopper, measuring from head to 
tip of front wings (folded) about li inches, never reaching 1J 
inches. Appears in great numbers and attacks all vegetation, 
preferably cereals and vegetables. 

Attacking also almost all farm and garden produce, shade- 
trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses. 

Description and Life-history. — The adult is dirty olive and 
brown ; front wings with a rather faint row of dirty brown spots 
extending along the middle from base to tip. Hind wings trans- 
parent, uncolored; tibiae of hind legs red. The young resemble 
the adult, except in the matter of wings ; the very young have 
no wings; older ones have short, pad-like wings, incapable of 
flight. The adult locusts appear in the summer or fall, coming 
from the northwest in great swarms ; the young appear, if at all, 
in the spring following fall invasion. The natural home of this 
pest is on the high plains of northwest United States, but its 
migratory habits bring it to Kansas. Since 1876, however, it 
has not appeared in serious numbers. It is a matter of impor- 
tance to distinguish between this migratory and alien form and 
the Reg-legged Locust (Melanoplus femur-rubrum), which is na- 
tive to the State and does no appreciable harm to cereals. The 
two species closely resemble each other in appearance, but the 
Rocky Mountain form has the front wings when folded project- 
ing at least one-third of their length beyond the tip of the abdo- 
men, while in the Red-legged Locust the front wings just reach 
the tip of the abdomen, or project very slightly. The last joint 
of the abdomen of the males in the Rocky Mountain species is 
turned up like the prow of a canoe and is notched so that two 



INSECTS ATTACKING CORN. 



23 



small tubercles appear; in the Red-legged Locust the last joint 
of the male abdomen is broader and not narrowed and not 
notched, appearing, as Dr. Riley has said, more like the stern of a 
barge. The males of either species may be distinguished from 






Fig. 12. Rocky Mountain Locust: a, very young; b, young; c, young with wing-pads; 
d, adult; e, adult female; /, terminal view of last abdominal segment of male. 

the females by the lack of an ovipositor or egg-laying apparatus ; 
this ovipositor appearing as four small, pointed, backward-pro- 
ecting pieces, which may be spread apart or closely pressed to- 
gether. 

The eggs of locusts or grasshoppers are laid in the ground in 
masses of from 50 to 100, and the young when first hatched are, 
as previously stated, without wings. 



24 



INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 




Fig. 13. Rocky Mountain Locust; a, a, a, females laying eggs; 6, egg-pod with bro- 
ken end, taken from ground; c, eggs taken from pod; d, e, egg-pods in place below 
surface of ground; /, place where an egg-pod is buried. 

Remedies. — There are several natural enemies of the Rocky 
Mountain Locust which do good work in keeping the pest down. 
A minute, red mite fastens itself on the body near the base of the 
wings and sucks its blood ; several flies are parasitic upon it, and 
birds eat the locusts with relish. The artificial remedies are most 
effective when applied to the young or unfledged (wingless) lo- 
custs, and will be discussed under the head of "Injurious Grass- 
hoppers." 

Kansas Notes. — The State was invaded by the Rocky Mountain 
Locust in 1866. In 1868 a few (comparatively). locusts descended 
in Riley county. In 1874 another great invasion occurred, and 
the next spring much harm was done by young hatching from 
eggs deposited the previous fall by the invaders. As soon as 
these young acquired wings, however, about June 1, they flew 
away to the northwest, attempting to return to their native hab- 
itat. In 1876 fresh swarms appeared from the northwest, and 
great injury was done. 

We have now gone so long without hearing from our voracious 
friends of the northwest, that it is probable that changed condi- 
tions, such as the increase of the food-supply in their breeding 
region, etc., render unnecessary any further straying from home 
in search of Kansas corn. It is certainly most devoutly to be 
hoped that such is the case. 

An occasional "grasshopper scare" in western Kansas keeps 
alive the remembrance of the early troubles, but these " scares " 



INSECTS ATTACKING^ CORN. 25 

are always found to be caused by the unusual prevalence of some 
local species, and not due to the presence of the true Rocky 
Mountain Locust. Concerning these other locust species, which 
occasionally do more or less harm, see chapter on "Injurious 
Grasshoppers." 



GARDEN WEB-WORM. 
(Eurycreon rantalis Guenee; Order, Lepidoptera.) 
Diagnosis. — White webs enveloping the young corn or the bases 
of the older corn stalks. Within the webs numbers of slender, 
light-green, black-dotted caterpillars eating the leaves. 
Attacking, also, many garden vegetables and wild plants. 

Description and Life-history. — The insect in the state in which 
it commits its depredations is a caterpillar or lepidopterous larva, 
about seven-eighths of an inch long when full grown. It is light 




Fig. 14. Garden Web-wobm; a, adult; &, pupa; c, larva. 

green, with a narrow, yellowish- white stripe on each side of the 
median dorsal line except on the first segment behind the head. 
Head pale yellowish-red. There are eight pairs of legs, the last 
pair being on the last segment of the caterpillar. 

As an adult, the insect is a small, grayish, night-flying moth, 
its wings expanding about three-fourths to one inch. The eggs 
are deposited on the lower leaves and stems of various plants. 
The larvae become full grown in about two weeks after hatching, 
and transform into pupae within a small, silken cocoon concealed 
under dead leaves or in any debris. 

The larva feeds naturally on certain wild plants and weeds, 
especially the different species of pig- weeds, lambs-quarter, and 
purslane. When the larvae are very abundant, however, they 
overflow into fields and gardens. Many garden vegetables suffer 



26 INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 

i 

equally with corn. Tomatoes, potatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, rad- 
ishes, peas and turnips are attacked. 

Remedies. — Corn planted early gets a start which enables it to 
resist the attacks of the caterpillar. Early planting may be said 
to be the surest safeguard. In infested gardens, fowls may be al- 
lowed to run. Spraying with some arsenical, as Paris green, or 
London purple (see p. 7.), where the poison can be used without 
endangering life, is effective. (For spraying directions, see pagelO.) 

Kansas Notes. — In the Second Biennial Report Kansas Board 
of Agriculture, 1879-80, p. 493, Prof. E. A. Popenoe presented in- 
teresting notes on the occurrence of the Web-worm. In June of 
1880 "fields and gardens in the central portion of the State suf- 
fered severely from the ravages " of this pest. Professor Popenoe 
bred a Tachinid fly from the caterpillar, and believed that this 
parasite was ordinarily present in sufficient force to be a consider- 
able check upon the increase of the caterpillars. 

In the report of the Kansas Board of Agriculture for the month 
ending June 30, 1885, Prof. F. H. Snow reports the presence of 
this insect in considerable numbers in 35 counties of the State, 
the counties most infested being confined to the southeastern 
quarter of the State. The chief injuries in 1880 were inflicted 
upon corn and potatoes. A complete list of the plants destroyed 
includes sweet-corn, field corn, Irish potatoes, sweet-potatoes, mil- 
let, flax, cotton, castor beans, clover, timothy, cabbage, peas, beets, 
lettuce, melons, cucumbers, onions, and other garden-stuff. The 
extent of the damage reached about 10 per cent, of the entire crop 
in the counties most seriously attacked. 

In 1891 the Department received reports of the presence of 
the worm in Kiowa, Clark and Cowley counties. A correspond- 
ent in Kiowa county wrote as follows : 

They form a web around our garden vegetables of almost every kind 
except potatoes, and completely destroy them. They are reported to- 
day [June 24] in field corn to considerable extent, destroying it in 
some places entirely. 

Another correspondent, sending specimens June 26, writes: 

Chrysanthemums, carnations, asters, pinks and geraniums are going; 
also a field of young corn. 



INSECTS ATTACKING CORN. 



27 



CORN "WORM. 

(Heliothis armigera Htibner; Order, Lepidoptera.) 

Diagnosis. — Greenish-brown, dark-striped caterpillar, an inch 
to an inch and a half long, feeding on the kernels of ripening 
sweet or field corn. Unsightly irregular channels are gnawed 
along the cob. 

Attacking, also, the tomato. 

Description and Life-history. — The adult is greenish-yellow, 
(front wings pale clay yellow, with a greenish tint, hind wings 
paler,) the fore wings bearing each a conspicuous dark spot near 




Fig. 15. Coen Woem; a, 6, adult; c, larva; d, pupa, in cocoon. 

the middle. The eggs are laid upon the silk of the young ears. 
" The larvse soon hatch, and eat through the husk to the succulent 
kernels beneath, which they devour greedily for several weeks." 
The full-grown caterpillar is about 1^ inches long, and varies in 
color from pale green to dark brown, with darker longitudinal 
stripes. On each segment of the body there are eight circular, 
shining, black spots, from which arise short, brown hairs. The 
full-grown larvae descend to the ground, burrow a few inches into 
the soil, and there form loose, oval cocoons of silk and dirt, within 
which they pupate. The adult moths issue in from two to four 



28 



INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 



weeks. There are probably two broods in Kansas, the larvse oi 
the first paying special attention to early sweet-corn. 

Remedies. — It is the very early (first brood) and very late (sec- 
ond brood) corn that suffers most, so that intermediately-ripening 
corn is apt to be comparatively free from attack. Hand-picking 
is the most available and effective remedy so far devised. "The 
silk of infested ears shows the presence of the larvse by being 
prematurely dry or partially eaten, and the larvae may be readily 
found and crushed. In garden patches of sweet-corn, at least, 
this method is worth using." Fall plowing of infested fields will 
break up and expose many pupae. 

Kansas Notes. — Dr. Riley, in his third annual report as State 
Entomologist of Missouri, says : 

In 1860, the year of the great drouth in Kansas, the corn crop in 
that State was almost entirely ruined by the Corn-worm. According to 
the Prairie Farmer of January 31, 1861, one county there, which raised 
436,000 bushels of corn in 1859, only produced 5,000 bushels of poor, 
wormy stuff in 1860; and this, we are told, was a fair sample of most 
of the counties in Kansas. ... It appears, also, that many horses 
in Kansas subsequently died from disease, occasioned by having this- 
half-eaten, wormy corn fed out to them. 



OTHER INSECTS ATTACKING- CORN. 
Fall Army-worm. 
Injurious Geasshoppers. 



INSECTS ATTACKING CEREAL CROPS— Cont. 

WHEAT INSECTS. 



HESSIAN FLY. 

(Cecidomyia destructor Say; Order, Diptera.) 

Diagnosis. — The wheat plants turn yellow and die. In April 
and May* very small, white grubs may be found in the sheathing- 
bases close to the ground ; in the winter small, brown, oval, flax- 
seed-like bodies may be found in the plant near the roots. 

Description and Life-history. — The adult insect is a small, black- 
ish, two-winged fly with rather long, slender legs and beautiful, 
feathered antennae. The adult, however, is rarely seen. The flies of 
each generation go through four distinct life-stages: (1) The egg, 
(2) the larva or grub, (3) the pupa or "flax-seed," (4) the adult 
or winged insect. In no other stage than the larval is any injury 
done to the wheat. Professor Forbes, of Illinois, has carefully 
studied the life-history of this pest, and the following summary 
account of the life-history of the insect is quoted from a bulletin 
issued by him in 1890: 

There are always two destructive generations in a single year, and 
under some circumstances at least three. In fact, I have obtained evi- 
dence that there may be even four generations which attack the wheat 
with destructive effect, two in spring and two in autumn. The princi- 
pal injuries, however, are done by the last autumnal and the first spring 
generations. 

The eggs are a slender oval, about a fiftieth of an inch in length, and 
small enough to lie lengthwise in the grooves upon the upper surface 
of the leaf of the wheat. Those for the principal autumn brood of the 
maggots are laid most commonly on the leaf of the young wheat. The 
maggot hatching from these makes its way down the leaf to the base of 
its sheath, near the root, and here this milk-white, oval, smooth larva 
remains motionless until it gets its growth (commonly in November), 
after which it forms a tough, smooth, dark-brown case, within which it 
spends the winter, still in the same position. From this case (the "flax- 
seed" above mentioned) the winged insect bursts forth about the 1st of 
the following April, in the form of a delicate, nearly black, two-winged 
fiy or gnat, which has a very close general resemblance to a small mos- 

(29) 




Fig. 16. Hessian Fly; a healthy stalk of wheat on the left, the one on the right dwarfed and 
the lower leaves beginning to wither and turn yellow; the stem swollen at three places near 
the ground, where the "flax-seeds " (h) are situated, between the stem and sheathing base of the 
leaf; a, egg greatly enlarged; 6, larva enlarged; c, "flax-seed" or puparivim case; d, pupa; 
e, adult, natural size, laying its eggs on the leaf; /, adult, female, enlarged; gr, adult, male, 
enlarged; h, "flax-seed" between the leaves and stalk; i, Ichneumon parasite of the Hessian 
Fly, male, enlarged. 



INSECTS ATTACKING WHEAT. 31 

quito. The sexes pair at once, and the eggs for another generation are 
laid almost immediately in the field, the adnlts perishing soon there- 
after. 

The maggots hatching from these spring eggs go through the same 
course of development, at the base of the stalk, behind the sheath of 
the leaf, and do the principal part of the damage noticed in the spring, 
causing the well-known "crinkling" or falling down of the straw as the 
wheat heads out. Many of the winged flies of this brood hatch some- 
time before harvest, beginning to appear, in fact, by the end of May, 
and these lay eggs at once and give rise to a second spring brood — a 
fact clearly established this season by breeding experiments at Cham- 
paign. By harvest practically all are in the so-called "flax-seed" state, 
and the greater part of them remain behind in this condition in the 
stubble after the grain is cut. A few, however, are carried away with 
the straw. From these harvest-time "flax-seeds" the fall generations ¥ 
descend, the first of them appearing either in the volunteer grain or in 
early-sown wheat, and the second — the hibernating generation already 
referred to — in wheat of the regular crop. The laying of the eggs for 
the first of these generations certainly begins by September 1, and ap- 
parently somewhat earlier. The average length of life of one generation 
or brood (except the hibernating one), from any stage around to the 
same stage again, is about six weeks. 

It is, however, a fact of considerable economic interest that this divi- 
sion into generations is not anywhere complete, but that "flax-seeds" of 
any generation may lie dormant during the whole life of a generation 
following, finally hatching with the descendants of their original con- 
temporaries. Thus, of those "flax-seeds " which form in May and June, 
some may give the winged fly in June and July, and others not until 
September; and some of those which form in volunteer wheat in Sep- 
tember may hibernate and emerge the following spring. 

Remedies. — The United States Entomological Commission, in 
its third report ( 1883 ) suggests the following remedies : 

1. There are several destructive Ichneumon parasites of the Hessian 
Fly, whose combined attacks are supposed at times to destroy about 
nine-tenths of all the flies hatched. Of these the most important is the 
Chalcid four-winged fly, Semiotellus destructor, which infests the "flax- 
seed," and a small parasite of the genus Platygaster. 

2. By sowing a part of the wheat early, and, if affected by the fly, 
plowing this in and sowing the rest after September 20, the wheat 
crop may in most cases be saved. It should be remembered that the 
first brood should be circumvented, or destroyed, in order that a sec- 
ond or spring brood may not appear. 

3. If the wheat be only partially affected, it may be saved by ferti- 
lizers and careful cultivation; or a badly damaged field of winter wheat 
may thus be recuperated in the spring. 



32 INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 

4. Pasturing with sheep, and consequent close cropping of the 
wheat in November and early December, may cause many of the eggs, 
larva? and flax-seeds to be destroyed; also, rolling the ground may have 
nearly the same effect. 

5. Sowing hardy varieties. The Underhill Mediterranean wheat, and 
especially the Lancaster variety, which tillers vigorously, should be 
sown in preference to the slighter, less vigorous kinds, in a region 
much infested by the fly. The early- (August) sown wheat (to be 
plowed under afterward), might be Diehl; the later sown, Lancaster, 
Clawson, or Fultz. 

6. Of special remedies, the use of lime, soot or salt may be recom- 
mended; also, raking off the stubble; but too close cutting of the wheat 
and burning the stubble are of doubtful use, as this destroys the useful 
parasites as well as the flies. 

Professor Forbes, in the bulletin above referred to, offers the 
following as the most important general preventive and remedial 
measures : 

1. As a large percentage of these insects remain in the stubble at 
harvest, in the "flax-seed state," and as the flies which hatch from them 
later are weak and delicate, the ground may well be plowed, as soon af- 
ter harvest as practicable, and rolled to close the cracks through which 
the winged insects might escape. If the stubble can be made to burn, 
this will, of course, destroy the "flax-seeds" even more effectually. 

2. The volunteer grain springing up in the fields must be closely 
watched, and measures taken to destroy it about four weeks after its 
appearance, as it will otherwise assist to carry the insect through the 
summer in undiminished or perhaps larger numbers. The most con- 
venient method of doing this will depend so much upon the season and 
the cropping planned, that each must select his method for himself. 

3. Such of the "flax-seeds" as are carried away in the grain may be 
destroyed by heating or burning the screenings from the thresher, if 
the wheat is threshed at once. 

4. To prevent the wheat from becoming infested in fall by the first 
autumnal brood, and to escape as much as possible of the second, the 
sowing of the wheat may, with advantage, be postponed as late as is 
consistent with its reasonable safety from winter-killing — to the last 
of September or the first of October, according to the common practice 
in the southern half of Illinois. 

5. The damage done by any but the severest kind of an attack will 
depend, other things being equal, on the fertility of the soil and the 
strength of the plant. If the latter be strong enough to send out from 
the root new and vigorous stalks to replace those killed by the maggots 
of the fly, a considerable amount of fly attack may be scarcely notice- 
able at harvest time. From this it follows that the maintenance of the 
fertility of the soil is often a measurable safeguard against loss. I have 



INSECTS ATTACKING WHEAT. 33 

no doubt that the soluble commercial fertilizers, applied in spring to 
infested fields, would have a happy effect, whether with profit or not 
can only be tested by experiment. 

6. Finally, other things being equal, those varieties of wheat with a 
stiff and flinty stem, and those which tiller somewhat from the root, will 
suffer least under fly attack — the first, because the straw will not so 
readily bend or break at the point weakened by the maggot; and the 
second, because the flies of the second spring brood select fresh, young 
shoots for the deposition of their eggs in preference to the older and 
tougher stalks, with the effect to kill only these valueless sprouts, and 
to diminish by so much the injury to the heading stems. 

Kansas Notes. — The Hessian Fly has been known in Kansas 
as a wheat pest since 1871. It is believed to have been imported 
into this country during the Revolutionary War, and since that 
time has been steadily gaining ground. In 1788 the wheat crop 
about Trenton, N. J., was a total failure because of the fly's work. 
In 1800 the pest did great damage in New York; in 1843 Mary- 
land and Virginia were overrun. In 1844 it did much injury in 
northern Indiana and Illinois, and the contiguous portions of 
Michigan and Wisconsin. The following year it did more or less 
injury all over Illinois, and entered Georgia, where it worked great 
havoc in 1846. 

The first serious invasion of Kansas occurred in 1884, although 
1871, 1877 and 1880 were marked by its appearances. Concern- 
ing the 1884 invasion, Prof. F. H. Snow had to say, in the Fourth 
Biennial Report of the Kansas State Board of Agriculture (1883- 
'84), as follows (pages 604-606): 

The most conspicuous entomological event of the year 1884 was the 
successful entrance within our borders of the far-famed Hessian Fly. 
This species appeared in such numbers as to properly entitle the move- 
ment to be called an invasion. The first mutterings of the invasion 
were heard in the month of May, from Wyandotte and Johnson coun- 
ties, on the eastern border. In these counties it was reported that the 
"May" wheat was affected, and that the depredations were most exten- 
sive on lands cultivated in wheat the preceding year, and much worse 
on lands cultivated in wheat for three successive crops ( M. B. Newman). 
Late in the autumn reports began to come in of a very general distri- 
bution of this army of invasion throughout the eastern third of the 
State. The weather of the year, while unfavorable for the Chinch-bug, 
was all that could be desired by the Hessian Fly, this species thriving 
in wet seasons, but languishing in dry seasons. Thus these two species 
seem to be each other's counterparts — bad weather for one being good 
weather for the other. 

—3 



34 INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 

Direct reports have been received by the writer during the past two 
weeks from correspondents of the State Board of Agriculture in 35 dif- 
ferent counties. Of these, 21 report the Hessian Fly as present to an ex- 
tent varying from slight indications to very serious occupation. The 
western line of the invading army now rests between the 97th and 98th 
meridians, and the line is unbroken, from Sumner in the southern tier 
of counties, to Washington in the northern tier. This line passes 
through Sumner, Sedgwick, Harvey, Marion, Dickinson, and Clay, to 
Washington. No counties to the west of this line report the presence 
of the foe. No reports have been received from the southeastern coun- 
ties excepting Cherokee, which reports a light attack of the fly. The 
other counties reporting its presence are Cowley, Morris, Davis, Riley, 
Pottawatomie, Wabaunsee, Shawnee, Douglas, Johnson, Wyandotte, 
Leavenworth, Atchison, Jackson, and Doniphan. Thus there is not 
only an unbroken line of the enemy from Sumner north to Washington, 
but also from Sumner northeast to Doniphan, in the northeastern cor- 
ner of the State. The counties reporting the most serious injury are 
Doniphan, Atchison, Leavenworth, Wabaunsee, Davis, Riley, Morris, 
Dickinson, and Marion. 

•r 

In 1885 the fly made a material spread within the State. In 
the monthly report of the Board of Agriculture for June, 1885, 
Professor Snow says : 

An article detailing the life-history of this insect and suggesting 
remedies for its ravages was furnished by the writer in January last 
for the Fourth Biennial Report of the Kansas State Board of Agricult- 
ure. At that time the fly was reported to the writer from only 18 
counties. At the present time it is reported from no fewer than 57 of 
the 81 organized counties of the State of Kansas. This increase in area 
of distribution is to be accounted for from the fact that the species is 
two-brooded, and that the second or spring brood made its presence felt 
in many counties in which the first brood was not sufficiently numerous 
to attract attention. 

An analysis of the 57 counties reporting the Hessian Fly indicates 
that the wheat has been very seriously destroyed in 16 counties, moder- 
ately damaged in 11 counties, and but slightly injured in 30 counties. 
The 16 counties suffering serious damage are Atchison, Butler, Chase, 
Davis, Dickinson, Jackson, Labette, Leavenworth, Lincoln, Marion, Os- 
borne, Ottawa, Rooks, Saline, Sedgwick, and Wabaunsee. The 11 coun- 
ties sustaining a moderate loss are Cowley, Douglas, Doniphan, Harvey. 
Jefferson, Johnson, Linn, McPherson, Miami, Mitchell, and Osage. The 
30 counties as yet but lightly afflicted are Allen, Brown, Chautauqua. 
Clay, Cloud, Coffey, Crawford, Elk, Ellis, Ellsworth, Franklin, Harper, 
Lyon, Marshall, Montgomery, Morris, Nemaha, Neosho, Norton, Reno. 
Riley, Rush, Russell, Shawnee, Smith. Sumner, Washington, Wilson, 
Woodson, arid Wyandotte. 



INSECTS ATTACKING WHEAT. 



35 



Since 1885 the Hessian Fly has remained "with us," doing 
annually considerable damage, though just how much it is diffi- 
cult to estimate. The observations made on the fly in this State 
lead me to emphasize the previously-suggested remedy of late 
planting, at earliest after September 25, and the careful destruc- 
tion of the early springing up volunteer wheat, as the two most 
beneficial measures to be adopted by the Kansas wheat-grower in 
bis struggle with this pest. 



WHEAT-STRAW WORM. 
(Isosoma tritici Riley; Order, Hymenoptera.) 

Diagnosis. — The plants stunted in growth ; heads do not fill 
out, and ripen prematurely. Examination of the stem ( by split- 
ting it) shows one or more small, white grubs in the joints next 
to the head, or in the one next below this. 





Fig. 17. Wheat-straw Worm; a, pupa in cell in wheat straw; b, larva: c, pupa; 
d, adult (without wings). 



36 INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 

Description mid Life-history. — The adult insect is a very small, 
four- winged insect (most of the specimens are wingless), black, with 
green and blue metallic reflections. The damage to the wheat is 
done by the insect in its larval stage, when it appears as a small, 
white grub, less than one-fourth of an inch long, which lies in the 
heart of the stem near a joint. The grubs are provided with 
strong jaws, with which they gnaw the inner fiber of the stem, 
arresting a proper flow of the sap to the head. In March and 
April adults issue from last year's wheat straws (in the stack or 
in the stubble), and lay their eggs on the tender leaves of the 
growing wheat. The larvae, on hatching, burrow into the stem, 
pupate, and soon mature, the adults emerging in the latter part 
of May and early part of June. These adults lay their eggs in 
the now ripening wheat, and another brood of destructive larvse 
hatches. These larvse pupate in the straws, either in stubble or 
stack, before winter, and pass the winter in the pupal stage. The 
following spring the adults appear, and a new cycle is begun. The 
insect is thus two-brooded. 

Remedies. — The plainly-suggested remedy is to destroy the in- 
sect while hibernating in the pupal stage in the old straw. The 
stubble and all remnants of straw-stacks should be burned before 
March 1 ; that is, before the issuing of the adults in the spring. 
Whether the insect is present in the straw can be easily told dur- 
ing the winter, or by splitting open straws and examining. The 
pupae, if present, will be found as small, dark, mummy-like ob- 
jects, about one-fifth of an inch long, resting securely in small 
cells hollowed out in the center of the straw near a joint. As 
only about five out of every 100 individuals of this insect pos- 
sess wings, the insect spreads very slowly from farm to farm, and, 
if all the hibernating individuals on a given farm be destroyed, 
there is no likelihood that the wheat on that farm can be attacked 
the following season. 

This pest also suffers from the attacks of several parasitic in- 
sects, one of the most important of which, Eupelmus allyni, is a 
small, four-winged insect, which belongs to the same family as the 
pest itself. This Eupelmus parasite lays its eggs in the spring, 
after the Straw-worm larvae have hatched, and the larvae of the 
parasite, as soon as hatched, feed on the Straw-worm larvae. By 
the middle of September the parasites have matured and escaped 
from the straws. Thus, the burning of the old straw in the win- 



INSECTS ATTACKING WHEAT. 37 

ter not only kills the living Wheat-straw Worms which escaped 
the attacks of the parasites, but it does not destroy the helpful 
parasites. 

Kansas Notes. — In 1885 Professor Snow reported this insect as 
inflicting serious depredations upon wheat in McPherson, Morris, 
Osborne, Ottawa and Saline counties. (Monthly Report Kan- 
sas Board of Agriculture for June, 1885.) The pest is spoken of 
in this report as a " new-comer to the State of Kansas." In a 
brief reference to the insect in the report of the Kansas Board 
of Agriculture for the quarter ending December 31, 1885, Pro- 
fessor Snow credits Warren Knaus, of McPherson, an entomolo- 
gist of repute, with saying, "that according to his observation 
fully one-half of the larvse and pupse of this Wheat-worm have 
been destroyed by this parasite, a species of the genus Ptero- 
malus" 

In a bulletin of this Department, issued in February, 1892, 
observations on the presence of this pest in Kansas in 1891 are 
presented. The insect was quite prevalent in central and west- 
ern Kansas, Barton, Russell, Osborne, Rice, Ellsworth, Rush and 
Lincoln counties being especially infested. 

Doubtless much damage is annually done to the wheat crop of 
Kansas by this insect ; a considerable part of which damage is 
popularly accredited to the Hessian Fly. 



-WHEAT-HEAD ARMY- WORM. 

(Leucania albilinea Gnen; Order, Lepidoptera.) 

Diagnosis. — The kernels of wheat are eaten out of the heads, 
leaving a head of chaff. The ground at the foot of the plants is 
frequently covered with chaff. A brown and pale-yellow cater- 
pillar, about one inch long, feeding on the heads at night. 

Description and Life-history. — The adult form of this ineect is 
a yellowish and white moth, expanding about 1J inches; front 
wings, pale straw ; hind wings, satiny- white. The larva or cater- 
pillar, in which form the insect commits its depredations, is, when 
full-grown, rather more than an inch in length ; colors, pale yel- 
low and brown ; along the back there is a brown median line ; on 



38 



INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 




each side of this line, a narrow, sulphur- 
yellow stripe; still below, other brown 
and yellow lines. Below, dull white. 
Head large, pale yellow. 

The first moths appear during May, 
in the latitude of St. Louis, according to 
Doctor Riley, and the bulk of the larvae 
are full-grown about the time wheat is in 
the milk. The larvae feed on the wheat 
heads until harvest, when they pupate, 
and the adult moths issue in the latter 
part of July. These lay eggs which 
produce a second brood of worms in 
August, the worms feeding on leaves. 
These larvae pupate in September, and 
pass the winter as pupae in the ground. 

The feeding time of the larvae when 
eating the wheat heads in June seems to 
be at night. A correspondent in Rush 
county writes: 

The worms come up after dark, and feed 
upon the heads. They are in sufficient num- 
bers to destroy the crop in some fields and parts of fields. Fields 
partly burned over have them only where fire did not run. Twelve 
acres isolated wheat on burnt stubble is free from them. Damage like 
the above is reported from all directions, but some wheat seems to be 
escaping everywhere. The best wheat is on ground fallow last year, 
and on which no wheat has been for several years. 

Remedies. — No convenient effective remedy for the pest has 
yet been proposed. The remedies so far recognized are mostly 
preventive. The pupae may be largely destroyed by late fall 
plowing and harrowing; and many moths may be captured in 
May by means of lights and sweetened and poisoned fluids 
There are certain natural enemies; two parasitic Ichneumon flies 
and one Tachinid fly are noted by Doctor Riley. Kansas wheat- 
growers should give this pest special attention, to the end that a 
practical remedy for it may be found. 

Kansas Notes. — Doctor Riley records the appearance of this in- 
sect in Dickinson, Douglas and Davis counties in 1876. (Ninth 
Annual Report State Entomologist of Missouri, p. 51.) The 



Fig. 18. Wheat-head Asmt- 
wobm; a, larvae on wheat 
head; &, eggs between sheath 
and stalk; c, d, egg, top and 
side view, enlarged. 



INSECTS ATTACKING WHEAT. 



39 



Kansas Farmer of June 28, 1876, published several items indi- 
cating that the pest was occasioning some excitement in the State. 
Of 100 pupse received by Doctor Riley from John Davis, of 
Junction City, 40 per cent, were infested by one of the parasitic 
Ichneumons. 

From correspondents reporting in 1891, the presence of the 
worm was determined in several counties. A correspondent send- 
ing specimens June 13, from Stafford county, says: "They are 
doing an immense amount of damage to the wheat in this county." 



FALL ARMY-WORM. 
(Laphygma frugiperda Smith & Abb.) 

Diagnosis. — A naked, pale-brown to dirty-green caterpillar, 
about one to one and a half inches long, eating grass, corn, rye, 
wheat, and various succulent plants in the autumn (September 
and October). 

Description and Life-history — As an adult, this insect is a 
grayish-brown moth with an expanse of wings varying from one 

to one and a half inches ; appear- 
ing in the fall. The larva or cat- 
erpillar, in which state the insect 
commits its depredations, is dark 
or even pitchy-black'when young, 
but when full-grown is of a pale- 
brown or dirty-green color with 
more or less pink or yellow in the 
shape of fine mottlings. The body 
is longitudinally striped with dark 
lines. The head is pale yellowish 
with an inverted white, Y-shaped 
mark. The body is covered with 
many small, black^tubercles, each 
tubercle bearing a short, stiff, black 
hair. The larvae feed voraciously on all sorts of cereals and on 
many vegetables. They appear only in the fall, the first ones be- 
ing seen about September 1, and the last ones about November 1, 





Fig. 19. Fall Aemy-woem; a, adult; 
6, larva. 



40 INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 

or a little later. There are at least two generations in a year. 
The eggs are deposited on the under sides of the leaves of peach, 
apple and other trees. 

Remedies. — As the last brood of the year must pass the winter 
in the larval or pupal state in the ground, late fall plowing of 
fields in which the pest has been present during the fall will prob- 
ably kill many. Also, if ground which is to be put into wheat 
be kept clean of vegetation before sowing, and the sowing be done 
late, the early moths will not be attracted to the field to lay their 
eggs. In Kansas in 1884, when the worm was numerous, many 
farmers in Douglas county waited until September 20 to October 
20 before sowing their wheat and rye, and then had no trouble 
from the worm. 

If these worms are invading a field of fall grain, most of 
them could be destroyed by running over them with a heavy roller 
without injury to the grain. Fortunately, wheat which is cut off 
by the worms is not necessarily destroyed. Several instances 
where a field was quite cut down, and yet where a good stand was 
got the following spring, are known. 

Kansas Notes. — In a letter to the Kansas Farmer dated August 
29, 1870, a correspondent in Mineral Point, Anderson county, 
calls attention to the presence of the pest, which is said to "take 
a 25-acre field in two days." This writer says that they last ap- 
peared in Kansas in 1866. 

In the Fourth Biennial Report of the Kansas Board of Agri- 
culture (1883-84), Prof. F. H. Snow contributes some notes on 
this pest. It was present in considerable numbers in Douglas, 
Leavenworth, Jefferson and Labette counties. In Douglas county 
most of the damage was done during the first week in September. 
Wheat and rye sowed after September 15 was uninjured. 



OTHER INSECTS ATTACKING WHEAT. 

Chinch-bug. 

Rocky Mountain Locust. 

Injurious Grasshoppers. 



INSECTS ATTACKING OTHER CEREALS AND 

GRASSES. 



INJURIOUS GRASSHOPPERS. 

(Family Acrididce; Order, Orthoptera.) 

Diagnosis. — Grasshoppers of various species; attacking cereals 
and grass crops of all kinds. 

Attacking, also, fruit- and shade-trees and garden crops. 

Descriptions and Life-history. — The life-histories of the various 
injurious grasshoppers to be found in Kansas are so nearly par- 
allel that a single, generalized life-history may be given which 
will practically serve for all. 

The grasshopper or locust (I shall use these common names 
synonymously in this connection) has an incomplete metamor- 
phosis (see p. 5), the young when hatched resembling the parents 
in form and habits. The striking difference between adult and 
newly-hatched young is the absence of wings in the infant, so that 
its only methods of locomotion are walking and hopping. The 
€ggs are extruded by the female in masses, and deposited a short 
distance beneath the surface of the ground by means of the strong 
ovipositor. (See Fig. 13.) The eggs are deposited in the fall, and 
the young do not hatch until the following spring. The young are 
furnished with strong jaws, as the adults, and begin immediately to 
"make their own living." The increase in size stretches the chit- 
inized and rather unyielding skin to bursting, and the first moult 
soon occurs. After this moult small wing-pads, the rudiments of 
the coming wings, are to be seen. With each successive moult 
the wing-pads are seen to be larger in size, until, at the last moult 
(the fourth, usually), they are fully developed, and the grasshopper 
is said to be full-grown, or adult. The time between hatching 
and maturity is between 70 and 100 days, varying in the different 
species. The following species do more or less damage annually 
in Kansas: 

RED-LEGGED LOCUST {Melanoplus femur-rubrum De Geer). 

This locust is a common native species, occurring all over the 
State. It is almost identical in size and appearance with the 

(41) 



42 



INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 



Rocky Mountain Locust (M.spretus Thomas), being distinguished 
from it by the shorter forewings (never extending, when folded, 
beyond tip of abdomen) and the bluntly rounded and broadly 
notched, instead of the rather narrowly rounded and acutely 
notched (spretus) tip of the last abdominal segment of the male. 
(See Fig. 12.) Our native Red-leg is non-migratory, and, while 
appearing locally numerous, rarely does serious damage. It ap- 
pears, winged, about the middle of August, or a little later. 
Doctor Riley has noted that the period between hatching and 
maturity, at St. Louis, is about 70 days. 

DIFFERENTIAL LOCUST (Melanoplus differentialis Thomas). 

This is one of the most common native locusts, and often does con- 
siderable local damage, especially in the southwestern part of the 

State. This locust 
is larger than spre- 
tus or femur-ru- 
brum, being about 
1 j inches long and 
its wings expand- 
ing 2 i inches, and 
is of a general 
bright yellowish- 
green color. ' ' The 
head and thorax 
are olive-brown, 
and the front 
wings, very much 
of the same color 
and without other 
marks, have a 
brownish shade at 
base ; the hind wings being tinged with green ; the hind thighs 
are bright yellow, especially below, with the four black marks as 
in spretus; and the hind shanks are yellow with black spines, 
and a black ring near the base." This locust is partial to alfalfa 
and to various shade-trees. 

TWO-STRIPED LOCUST (Melanoplus bivittatus Say). 

This locust is of about the same size as differentialis, resembles 
it considerably, and is found in company with it. It is distin- 




FlG. 20. DlFFEKENTIAL LOCUST. 



INSECTS ATTACKING CEREALS AND GRASSES. 



43 



guished from differ entialis " in having two lateral, yellowish stripes 
from the head to the extremities of the wing-covers." ( See Figs. 

22 and 23.) It is usually not so abundant as differ entialis. 

» 

LONG- WINGED LOCUST (Dissosteira longipennis Thomas). 

This locust, not until recently recognized as an injurious species, 
because of its comparative rarity, more nearly resembles the mi- 




Fig. 21. Long-winged Locust. 

gratory locusts of the Old World than any other of our American 
forms. It is about two inches long from head to tip of folded 
wing-covers, and measures about 3 i inches from tip to tip of ex- 
panded wing-covers. The wing-covers or forewings are irregu- 
larly blotched with pale brown, and the hind wings are black, 
excepting the clear apical third and a narrow, clear, marginal 
border running back to the anal angles. This locust is a non- 
migratory form, occasionally abundant on the plains of eastern 
Colorado. It sometimes occurs in sufficient numbers in restricted 
areas to destroy all vegetation (see Kansas Notes). 

Remedies. — The following notes on remedial measures are 
drawn from a pamphlet on " Destructive Locusts," by Dr. C. V. 



44 



INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 



Riley. (Bulletin 25, 1891, Division of Entomology, U. S. Depart- 
ment of Agriculture.) 

The means to be employed (for the destruction of locusts) fall very 
naturally into five divisions: (1) Encouragement of natural agencies; 
(2) destruction of the eggs; (3) destruction of the young or unfledged 
insects; (4) destruction of the mature or winged insects; (5) prevent- 
ive measures. 

1. Under this head may come protection of the locust-eating 
birds, or, at least, non-destruction of them. Prairie chickens and 
quails do much good because of their grasshoper-eating habits. 




Fig. 22. Two stbiped Locust. ( See page 42. ) 

There are many parasites of grasshoppers, but their control is out- 
side of our hands. Certain minute mites and certain flies do 
most valiant work in the warfare against the locusts. A parasitic 
fungus growing in and on the bodies of the locusts sometimes de- 
stroys many. 

2. Destruction of the eggs by harrowing or plowing, or tramp- 
ing, or collecting, or flooding (in irrigated districts), in the fall is an 
effective measure. The ovipositing regions can be discovered by 
noting the dead bodies of locusts on the ground in autumn, or by 
turning over the ground here and there and exposing the eggs. 
The eggs of the Rocky Mountain Locust " are laid in bare, sandy 
places, especially on high, dry ground, which is tolerably compact 



INSECTS ATTACKING CEREALS AND GRASSES. 



45 



and not loose." Newly-plowed land is not liked. Moist or wet 
ground is generally avoided. Closely-grazed meadows and pas- 
tures are favorite egg-laying ground. The eggs of the Rocky 
Mountain Locust cannot be found in Kansas, except in the fall 
following an invasion by adults from the northwest. 

The Red-legged, the Differential and the Two-striped locusts 
have about the same egg-laying habits as the Rocky Mountain 
Locust. The Differential occasionally deposits its eggs " under the 
bark of logs that have been felled on low land." 

3. Destruction of the young or unfledged locusts in the spring 
may be accomplished in a number of ways. The young locusts, 
being wingless, are restricted in their range, are confined to the 
ground, and are usually thickly massed. Burning, by scattering 
old straw or hay over the infested areas and lighting it; or by 
means of machines, consisting of long, open grates with screens 
above directing the heat down, and drawn by horses over the 
fields ; or by dragging a long wire, wrapped in rags which have 
been soaked in kerosene and ignited, back and forth over the field, 

is effective. Crushing, 
where the locusts are on 
hard, smooth ground, 
by heavy rollers, can 
be often indulged in. 
Trapping or catching, 
by the use of nets, or 
by ditches or trenches, 
or by machines, into 
which the locusts are 
fanned or sucked, and 
dropped into kerosene, 
is sometimes feasible. 
Poisoning may be ef- 
fectively used when it 
is desired to protect a 
certain limited area, or 

. a, Differential Locust; 6, Two-striped Lo- qT . pr ,: n l « rrm « friiif- nr 
; to show difference in markings, when wings ar* special ulujjb, liuit ux 

shade-trees, etc. Paris 
green, mixed with 20 to 30 parts of flour, and scattered on the ground, 
destroys many locusts attracted by the flour. Spraying trees, bushes 
or garden crops with Paris green (see p. 7) can be relied on. 





Fig. 23. 

OUST 

folded. ( See page 42. ) 



46 INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 

The protection of fruit- or shade-trees against the young Differ- 
ential and Two-striped locusts can usually be effectively done. 
Doctor Riley's recommendations are as follows: 

Where the trunks are smooth and perpendicular they may be pro- 
tected by whitewashing. The lime crumbles under the feet of the in- 
sects as they attempt to climb, and prevents their getting up. By 
their persistent efforts, however, they gradually wear off the lime and 
reach a higher point each day, so that the whitewashing must be often 
repeated. Trees with short, rough trunks, or which lean, are not well 
protected in this way. A strip of smooth, bright tin answers even bet- 
ter for the same purpose. A strip three or four inches wide, brought 
around and tacked to a smooth tree, will protect it, while on rougher 
trees a piece of old rope may first be tacked around the tree and the 
tin tacked to it, so as to leave a portion both above and below. Pass- 
ages between the tin and rope or the rope and tree can then be 
blocked by filling the upper area between the tin and tree with earth. 
The tin must be high enough from the ground to prevent the 'hoppers 
from jumping from the latter beyond it, and the trunk below the tin, 
where the insects collect, should be covered with some coal-tar or poi- 
sonous substance to prevent girdling. This is more especially neces- 
sary with small trees, and coal-tar will answer as such preventive. 

One of the cheapest and simplest modes is to encircle the tree with 
cotton batting, in which the insects will entangle their feet and thus 
be more or less obstructed. Strips of paper covered with tar, stiff 
paper tied on so as to slope, roof-fashion, strips of glazed wall-paper, 
and thick coatings of soft soap, have been used with varying success; 
but no estoppel equals the tight tin. The others require constant 
watching and removal, and in all cases coming under our observation 
some insects would get into the trees, so as to require the daily shaking 
of these morning and evening. This will sometimes have to be done 
when the bulk of the insects have become fledged, even when tin is 
used, for a certain proportion of the insects will then fly into the trees. 
They do most damage during the night, and care should be had that 
the trees be unloaded of their voracious freight just before dark. 

Mr. George Gibbs, of Holden, Missouri, found that the whitewash 
was rendered still more effectual by adding one-half pint of turpentine 
to the pailful. 

4. The complete destruction of the winged insects, when they 
swoop down upon a country in prodigious swarms, is impossible. 
Man is powerless before the mighty host. Special plants or small 
tracts of vegetation may be saved by perseveringly driving the 
insects off, or keeping them off by means of smudges, as the 
locusts avoid smoke. 

Certain of the means used in fighting young locusts (unfledged 



INSECTS ATTACKING CEREALS AND GRASSES. 47 

ones) are available to some extent in the warfare against the 
winged ones. In the morning and evening, when they are little 
inclined to take wing, the various methods of catching and crush- 
ing may be used. 

Kansas Notes. — The Red-legged Locust (Melanoplus femur- 
rubrum) has not been known, in recent years at least, to do seri- 
ous damage in the State, even locally. It may be seen, however, 
every summer in comparative abundance on the road-side plants 
.and among rank vegetation. 

The Differential Locust (Melanoplus differ •entialis) has, annually, 
of late, committed depredations of some extent in the western, 
especially southwestern, part of the State. Last year (1891), re- 
ports from Garden City ( Finney county) during the latter half 
of July indicated the presence of differentialis and bivittatus in 
alarming numbers in growing crops, especially alfalfa. This year, 
Hamilton county has reported (V. S. Jones, Syracuse, July 28) 
differentialis and bivittatus. " They are eating nearly everything 
bearing fruit," writes Mr. Jones. "I think they are worse on 
mulberry and catalpa trees." 

In the fall of 1891, Prof. Herbert Osborn, special agent of the 
Division of Entomology, United States Department of Agricul- 
ture, visited Kansas to investigate the reported damages by grass- 
hoppers. His report is published in Bulletin No. 27 (1892) of 
the division. Professor Osborn found differentialis and bivittatus 
in Finney county seriously injuring the alfalfa. He says: 

The alfalfa was badly stripped, the blossoms and seeds entirely eaten 
up, and in many patches the stems were stripped bare of leaves, look- 
ing brown and dead. The grasshoppers, mostly differentialis, with a 
considerable number of bivittatus, when rising in front of me as I walked 
through the field, formed a cloud 8 or 10 feet high, and so dense as to 
hide objects beyond them. The territory examined was the irrigated 
portion of the Arkansas valley, lying in Finney, Kearny and Hamilton 
counties. . . . The whole area extends, with occasional breaks, a 
distance of about 50 miles along the river, and forms a strip from one 
to five miles wide, but limited entirely to areas where irrigation has 
been practiced. 

According to Professor Osborn, "alfalfa is the crop in which 
there is the most loss, but orchards are [were] suffering badly, and, 
were they extensive throughout the district, would very probably 
present the heavier loss.", Professor Osborn believes that the eggs 
are deposited along the sides of or in the irrigating ditches, which 



48 INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 

are dry during a large part of the year. On this belief (which 
seems to be founded on sufficient evidence) he makes the follow- 
ing recommendations for fighting the pests : 

1. To thoroughly break up the surface of the ground in and along 
the ditches before winter by harrowing thoroughly, cultivating or shal- 
low plowing, thus exposing the eggs to winter weather and natural 
enemies. 

2. Wherever practicable, to flood the ground for a day or two at the 
time young locusts are hatching. I was told that the young 'hoppers 
were entirely unaffected by water, as they would crawl up the alfalfa 
stems and escape, and it is probable that sufficient flooding to accom- 
plish much good in this region is out of the question. My only hope 
in this line would be in watching carefully for the time of hatching, and 
using the water before the 'hoppers had obtained any growth; and, if 
abundant along the ditches, putting a little kerosene on the water. 

3. A use of the * hopper-dozer as early in the season as possible, when 
I believe the treatment of a strip 8 or 10 feet wide on each side of the 
ditches would destroy so large a part of their numbers as to prevent 
any serious damage. As I learned from a number of parties the 'hop- 
pers are scarcely half-grown when the crop is cut, it would seem that 
immediately after cutting the first crop would be the best time to use 
the hopper-dozer. The 'hoppers would be large enough to jump readily, 
and the dozers could be run very easily. It would be difficult to use 
them at any other time than directly after the crop was cut, as the dense 
growth of alfalfa would obstruct their movement. 

My strongest recommendation would be the urging of effort in break- 
ing up egg masses before winter, and then, in case locusts still appear 
in any number in spring, to resort to the dozers at first opportunity. I 
believe active use of these measures will be effectual, with a cost but 
trifling compared with the value of tha crop to be saved. 

Skunks, toads and certain Tachinid flies do much toward keep- 
ing these pests in check. Professor Osborn states that he noted 
several dead grasshoppers which " had the appearance of having- 
been affected with Entomophthora" 

I attempted last summer (1891) to inoculate specimens of dif- 
ferentialis and bivlttatus from Garden City with Empusa (Ento- 
mophthora?) aphidis, fa parasitic fungus growing freely on 
Chinch-bugs in our laboratories,) by enclosing the grasshoppers 

*A "hopper-dozer" is a machine for catching grasshoppers, usually in the nature 
of a broad tray containing coal-tar or kerosene, to be pushed or pulled over the in- 
fested field. The grasshoppers fly or hop into the tray, or are sucked in by means of 
fans, and meet a sticky or oily death in the tray. (For descriptions and directions for 
construction of "hopper-dozers " or locust-catchers, see "Destructive Locusts: '• Riley, 
Bulletin 23 (1891), Division of Entomology, U. S. Department of Agriculture.) 



INSECTS ATTACKING CEREALS AND GRASSES. 49 

with Chinch-bugs dead and dying from the effects of the growth 
of the fungus. I was unsuccessful. 

The Long- winged Locust (Dissosteira longipennis), while doing 
much damage in a restricted portion of eastern Colorado (400 
square miles) last year, has not yet appeared in Kansas in serious 
numbers. Professor Osborn found it "at all points visited in 
Finney, Kearny, Hamilton and Greeley counties;" but "at no 
point did it occur in destructive numbers, and I should not look 
for any injury from it in these localities in the near future, at 
least," says this competent entomologist. 



OTHER INSECTS ATTACKING- CEREALS (BESIDES 
CORN AND WHEAT) AND GRASSES. 

Chinch-bug. 

Southern Corn-root Worm. 
Rocky Mountain Locust. 
Garden Web-worm. 
Fall Army-worm. 
Injurious Grasshoppers. 



STORED-GRAIN INSECTS. 



ANG-OUMOIS GRAIN MOTH. 

(Gelechia cereallella Oliv.; Order, Lepidoptera.) 

Diagnosis. — Kernels of corn shelled or in the ear, grains of 
wheat, etc., showing a small, round hole; when a handful of the 
grain is thrown into water, some of the kernels (the attacked ones) 
float. 

Description and Life-history. — The adult form of the insect is 
a small moth about one-fourth of an inch in length, and about 
one-half an inch from tip to tip of expanded wings. As a larva 
or grub, during which stage the damage is done, it is found bur- 
rowing within kernels of various stored grains, eating out the 
inside starchy portion, and leaving only a shell. 

The moths fly about at night, and lay their eggs either on stand- 
ing grain in the field or on stored grain in bins and cribs. There 
are probably four or five broods each year in this State. The eggs 
are deposited at the base of the kernel, so that the larva or grub 
on hatching makes its entrance hole at the base. This hole is 
usually filled with excreta, so that it is not noticeable. The larva 
after some time changes into a quiescent pupa. Just before this 




Fig. 24. Angoumois G-kain Moth; a, adult: &, pupa; e, larva: d, infested wheat'grain, 
outside appearance; e, wheat grain, opened, with larva within; /, section of kernel of 
corn, showing larva; g, infested kernel of corn, outside appearance; h, section of 
kernel of corn, showing pupa. 

(50) 



INSECTS ATTACKING STORED GRAIN. 51 

change, a hole is gnawed by the larva at the apex of the kernel 
for the exit of the future moth. This hole is conspicuous, and is 
the one referred to in the diagnosis as betraying infested grains. 

Kernels of suspected grain should be split open ; if infested by 
the pest, either a small, white, brown-headed grub, with nine pairs 
of legs, or a brown, mummy-like pupa, with wing-pads, antenna, 
and legs closely pressed against the body, will be seen. Or there 
may be found the perfect moth, with folded wings, ready to emerge 
from the kernel. 

Remedies. — Fortunately effective remedies are at hand for the 
attacks of these stored-grain pests. In 1879 Dr. C. V. Riley 
called attention to the use of bi-sulphide of carbon, on a large 
scale, as an insecticide, and this substance may be effectually used 
against the Grain Moth. Bi-sulphide of carbon is sold at retail 
by druggists for about 25 cents a pound, but it may be bought 
for considerably less when got in larger quantities. It is an ex- 
tremely volatile liquid, and the insects are killed by its vapor. It 
is necessary, therefore, that it be so applied that the vapor may 
penetrate all through the bin of grain. 

The grain to be treated should be in a tight bin. If the grain 
is not stored in tight bins, such a bin, or box, should be con- 
structed, and the grain treated in it in successive portions. If 
the grain is wheat or oats or shelled corn, a long tube, open at 
both ends, but carrying within it a snugly-fitting rod, should be 
thrust into the grain until one end of the tube is near the center 
of the bin. The rod should now be withdrawn, and a quantity 
of the bi-sulphide of carbon should be poured into the tube. 
About one ounce of liquid to each 100 pounds of grain in the 
bin should be used. Finally, the tube should be withdrawn, the 
liquid being left in the center of the grain mass. 

Another recommended method of applying the insecticide is 
that of soaking with it a ball of cotton fastened to the end of a 
pole. The soaked cotton may now be pushed into the grain. 
Two or three applications of this kind, in different places in the 
bin, will effectually destroy all insect life in the bin. If the corn 
is in the ear, a convenient method of application is to pour the 
bi-sulphide of carbon into small, open dishes, setting these dishes 
about on the corn; or, the surface of the stored corn may be 
sprinkled with the liquid. The fumes of the bi-sulphide are 
heavier than air, so that they sink down into the bin. Great 



52 



INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 



care must be taken that no lighted lamps, cigars or burning ma- 
terial shall come near the bi-sulphide of carbon, or near places 
where it has been used, until the odor has passed entirely away . 
The liquid is highly inflammable and explosive. No danger, 
however, need exist if proper care be taken. Grain treated with 
bi-sulphide of carbon is not injured at all by the insecticide. The 
bad odor passes off in a few days. 

Kansas Notes. — In a bulletin issued by this Department in 
February, 1892, attention is called to the occurrence of this pest 
in Kansas. At this writing (October, 1892), this insect is threat- 
ening to injure the cereal specimens collected by the State for ex- 
hibit at the World's Fair. The specimens are stored in a large 
warehouse at Topeka, in which the moths are abundant. The 
pest does great damage in the Southern States, where as many 
as eight generations are produced in a year. 



GRAIN WEEVILS. 
(Calandria species; Order, Coleoptera.) 

Diagnosis. — About same as for Grain Moth. A footless grub ; 
pupa without long feelers, or adult beetle, instead of moth will be 
found within the kernels. 

Description and Life-history. — The adult insect is a small, dark- 
colored snout-beetle, 
which lays its eggs on the 
grain. The small, foot- 
less larvae soon hatch and 
eat their way into the 
kernels, maturing in a 
few weeks. There are- 
several broods each year. 
Corn, oats, wheat, barley 
and other stored grains 
are indiscriminately at- 
tacked. 






Fig. 25. Orain Weevil; a, adult; b, larva: 
c, pupa, all enlarged. 



Remedies. — Same as 

i 

for Grain Moth. 



INSECTS ATTACKING STORED GRAIN. 53 

Kansas Notes. — These weevils have been known to do consider- 
able damage in Lawrence mills. 



FLAX-SEED MITE. 
(Tyroglyphus sp.; Order, Acarina.) 

Diagnosis. — An increasing quantity of fine debris or dust in 
the bin or box containing the flax-seed. On close examination, 
many microscopic, whitish, moving insects. 

Description and Life-history. — This flax-seed-eating mite closely 
resembles the common flour and cheese mite, but is probably a 
different species. Mites may be distinguished from other minute 

insects by their having four pairs of legs 
instead of three, as with true insects. The 
Flax-seed Mite is white and soft, and is 
so small that many of them together re- 
semble fine, white dust. They occasion- 
ally occur in immense numbers in bins of 
flax-seed in warehouses or elevators. One 
correspondent reports them as several 
inches deep on the floor of an old bin. 
In the infested bins there will be seen a 

Fig. 26. Flax-seed Mite, quantitv of brown, earthy-looking Sub- 
greatly enlarged. J . • J b 

stance, which is composed of the body 
remnants of the mites. It is probable that the mites attack only 
broken or partially decaying seeds. 

Remedies. — There is to be found almost always associated with 
this Flax-seed Mite another slightly larger mite ( Cheyletus sp.) 
which preys upon it, and does much to reduce the numbers of the 
pest. If these other mites are present, they will probably suc- 
ceed in practically exterminating the Flax-seed Mite in the course 
of a few weeks. 

The burning- of sulphur in the infested building is recommended. 
If the mites are confined to one or two bins, bi-sulphide of carbon 
should be introduced, as recommended in case of Angoumois Grain 
Moth (p. 50), remembering the highly inflammable nature of the 
substance. 




54 INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 

If the elevator or grain building is thoroughly infested with the 
mites, only the most radical measures will rid it of the pests. The 
contents should be removed, so far as possible, and the building 
thoroughly dried and fumigated. 

Kansas Notes. — Miss Mary Murtfeldt, of Missouri, in a note in 
Insect Life, (vol. II, p. 251, January and February, 1890,) men- 
tions the occurrence of the Flax-seed Mite in a warehouse at 
Paola. Some 4,000 bushels of stored flax-seed were infested, and 
the mites were present in such amazing numbers that the owner 
feared they would destroy the entire stock. 

At the twenty-third annual meeting of the Kansas Academy 
of Science, Lawrence, November, 1890, Prof. D. S. Kelly, of the 
State Normal School, Emporia, exhibited specimens of the mites 
and injured flax-seed taken at Emporia. 

Several occurrences of the mite in the State have been reported 
to this Department. 



INSECTS ATTACKING GARDEN VEGETABLES. 



TORTOISE BEETLES. 

(Species of Cassida and Coptocycla; Order, Coleoptera.) 

Diagnosis. — Attacking sweet - potatoes ; small, turtle - shaped 
beetles, some of them with bright, metallic tints, feeding on the 
leaves; or the larvae (young) of these beetles, in general shape 
like the beetles, broad and flattened, but the margin of the body 
armed with spines, feeding on the leaves. 

Description and Life-history. — There are a half-dozen species 
of these Tortoise Beetles, belonging to the genera Cassida and 



a 








Fig. 27. Tortoise Beetles; a, larva of Mottled Tortoise Beetle (Coptocycla guttata 
Oliv.); b, pupa of same; c, adult of same; d, adult Black-legged Tortoise Beetle (Cas- 
sida nigripes Oliv.); e, adult Two-striped Tortoise Beetle (Cassida bivittata Say). 

Coptocycla, which attack the sweet-potato. There are hardly any 
other insects which infest this plant, but these beetles are often 
sufficient in number to do great injury. 

The larvse of all resemble each other in being short, broad, and 
flattened ; in having six short, thick, fleshy legs, besides a mova- 
ble, forked tail ; and in having the margin of the body provided 
with spines. 

(55) 



56 INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 

The beetles are rather oval in form, flattened, and spread out 
like the shell of a turtle. This turtle-like effect is heightened by 
the peculiar markings of the back, the dark center often showing 
two or four foot-like dark projections pushing out to the rim of 
the shell. One species is of the most beautiful golden color when 
alive; another is pale yellow, striped with black. 

The eggs of these beetles are deposited singly on the leaves. 
The larvse and the adult beetles usually remain on the under side 
of the leaves, gnawing irregular holes in them. They are most 
abundant during May and June, and have an especial fondness 
for the young plants. 

Remedies. — Paris green, one part of the poison to two parts 
of flour, sprinkled on the ground under the vines will kill the 
insects. 

Paris green or London purple, one pound to 100 gallons of wa- 
ter (see p. 7), may be sprayed on the plants with good effect. If 
the under side of the leaves can be sprayed it is better. How- 
ever, as the insects eat the entire leaf, spraying from above will 
answer. The spraying should be done as soon as the plants are 
well rooted, and two applications, with an interval of a week, 
should be sufficient. 

It is highly advisable to keep a close watch on the young plants 
(examining the under sides of the leaves) and to pick off by hand 
any larvae or beetles found. There are probably several genera- 
tions of the pest in the year, and if many of the first ones to ap- 
pear are destroyed there will be a large reduction of the possible 
numbers in succeeding generations during the season. 

Kansas Notes. — These pests occasionally seriously injure the 
sweet-potato crop in the State. 






SQUASH BUG. 
(Anasa tristis De Geer; Order, Hemiptera.) 

Diagnosis. — ^Infesting the squash; a rather large, flattened, 
rusty-black, ill-smelling bug, about one-half an inch long, with a 
pointed, sucking beak, attacking the leaves; the leaves become 
yellow and sickly; if the bugs are numerous, attacked plants may 
die. 



INSECTS ATTACKING GARDEN VEGETABLES. 



57 




Fig. 28. Squash-bug, 



Description and Life-history. — The adult is a familiar insect. 
Its large size and disgusting odor make it conspicuous. It is 

rusty black above and ochre-yellow be- 
neath. It passes the winter in the adult 
stage under boards, logs, or other cover- 
ing. It does not appear in the squash 
patch until late in the spring, often not 
until June or July. The eggs are laid 
on the under sides of the squash leaves in 
small patches. The young bugs when 
first hatched have a green body, with 
head, thorax and antennae pink. Two 
days after hatching, the body becomes 
ash-gray, and the other portions black. 
The young begin to suck the juices from 
the leaves, and the plant becomes sickly. 

Remedies. — Hand-picking when the adult bugs first appear in 
June, before the eggs are laid ; crushing the eggs found on the 
under sides of the leaves ; picking off the young, which when first 
hatched feed together in bunches ; and trapping the bugs by lay- 
ing pieces of board on the ground near the hills and examining 
the under sides of them morning and evening, are the most effect- 
ive remedies. Trimming off the lower leaves of the plants, and 
laying them on the ground by the hills in place of the boards, is 
recommended. Kerosene emulsion (see page 9) has been used 
with good effect on the young bugs. Fertilizing helps the plants 
to withstand injury. 

Kansas Notes. — A correspondent in La Blanche, Sherman 
county, reported (June 5, 1391) that he had grown squashes for 
seed for four years and that his vines were first attacked in 1890. 
The bugs did not appear until July. In 1891 they appeared in 
May, and did much injury. 



HARLEQUIN CABBAGE BUG. 

(Murgantia histrionica Hahn; Order, Hemiptera.) 

Diagnosis. — Infesting cabbage, turnips, horse-radish, mustard, 
etc. ; a flattened, oval bug about three-eighths of an inch long, 
with prominent black and orange-red markings, sucking the 



58 



INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 




juices from the leaves; the attacked leaves look as if blistered, 
and entire leaves are often withered. 

Description and Life-history. — The adult insect, which is a 
true sucking bug, is about three-eighths of an inch long and 

about one-fourth of an inch wide, 
flattened oval, tapering behind 
the middle to a rounded point. 
Above black, with orange-red 
spots and dashes ; below black, 
with five longitudinal rows of 
orange -red spots. The young 
bugs are broadly oval and with 
slightly different markings. 

The eggs are laid in March 

by adults which have passed 

through the winter. The eggs 

are usually 10 or 12 in number, 

and are laid in two rows, on the 

under sides of the leaves. The 

young are hatched in about a 

week, and immediately begin 

their destructive work by piercing the leaves and sucking the sap 

from them. The punctured leaves soon wilt and die. It is said 

that half a dozen adult insects will kill a cabbage in one day. 

Remedies. — As the insects suck the juices from the leaves, in- 
stead of eating the soft leaf tissue, spraying arsenical poisons on 
the surface of the leaves will be ineffectual. Hot water, kerosene 
emulsion (see p. 9) and pyrethrum (see p. 9) are recommended. 
The bugs may be trapped, as recommended for Squash-bugs, by 
laying boards or leaves near the hills, under which the insects 
will congregate. High cultivation will enable the plants to re- 
sist the attacks of the pest. 

Kansas Notes. — The insect is a native of the Gulf States and 
Mexico, Texas seeming to be the place of its greatest abundance. 
It has been making its way north since the close of the war. It 
was found in Missouri in 1870, and is said by Le Baron, in his 
sixth annual report as State Entomologist of Illinois, to have 
reached Kansas. This report was published in 1877. 

In the Third Biennial Report of the Kansas State Board of 
Agriculture, 1881-82, Prof. E. A. Popenoe says : 



Fig. 29. Haklequin Cabbage Bug; 
&, adult; c, young; d, eggs. 



INSECTS ATTACKING GARDEN VEGETABLES. 



59 



In the last few years it has been extending its range northward 
through Kansas, until now it appears to have spread over the greater 
part of the State. 

In the Report of the Kansas State Horticultural Society for 
1882, Mr. A. N. Godfrey reports that the pest appeared about 
the last week in July (1882) in Greenwood county in great 
numbers. It was found on cabbage, turnips, horse-radish, and 
mustard. He declares that it is generally considered a new in- 
sect among the farmers. In recent years it appears to have done 
little injury in the State. 



IMPORTED CABBAGE- WORM. 

(Pieris rapce Linn.; Order, Lepidoptera.) 

Diagnosis. — Infesting cabbage ; a naked, green caterpillar about 
1£ inches long, with a yellowish stripe along the back and a row 
of yellow spots along each side, and dotted all over with black, 
feeding on the leaves. 

Description and Lije-history. — The adult insect is a. common 
'white butterfly, the female having two black spots on each fore 
-wing, while the male has but one black spot on each fore wing. 

The wings expand about 
If inches. The eggs are 
laid singly or in groups 
of two or three each on 
the young cabbage 
leaves; the larvae, soon 
hatched, feed on the foli- 
age and become full- 
grown in about two 
weeks. Changing to 
chrysalids, they remain 
in this quiescent stage 
for about 10 days, when 
the butterflies emerge 
and lay eggs for another brood of worms. There are several 
generations each season. The insect passes the winter in the 
^hrysalid stage. 





Fig. 30. Imported Cabbage-worm; a, adult; 
b, larva. 



60 INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 

Remedies. — When the worms appear in great numbers they are 
often entirely swept away in a given region by the spread of a 
contagious bacterial disease. Prof. S. A. Forbes has observed 
the workings of this disease in Illinois. In the fall of 1883, he 
found this disease to be raging among the cabbage-worms all over 
Illinois, and declares it to be his opinion that there are good grounds 
for belief that a means of successfully combatting the Cabbage- 
worm will be found in artificially spreading this contagious dis- 
ease. 

Searching for the eggs on the leaves and destroying them may 
be resorted to with advantage. 

Pyrethum (see page 9) may be mixed with six to eight times 
its bulk of flour and dusted on the cabbage with a powder gun. 
This substance is not poisonous to human beings. It should be 
applied about once a week as long as any worms remain. 

Dr. Riley advocates the use of hot water. He says: 

Every visible worm upon the cabbages may be killed by the use of 
water at the temperature of 130° Fahrenheit. The water may be boil- 
ing hot when put into the watering can, but it will not be too hot when 
it reaches the cabbage leaves. 

Kansas Notes. — The Imported Cabbage-worm Butterfly is, as its 
name indicates, not a native of North America. It was intro- 
duced about 1856 or 1857, having been first taken at Quebec in 
1859. In 1864 it had not extended more than forty miles from 
Quebec as a center. In 1866 it was taken in the northern part 
of New Hampshire and Vermont. It steadily spread north and 
west over the United States, until in 1880 it was found abun- 
dantly in eastern Kansas by Professor Snow. 



SOUTHERN CABBAGE-WORM. 
(Pieris protodice Boisd.; Order, Lepidoptera.) 

Diagnosis. — Infesting cabbage; a black-dotted, greenish-blue 
caterpillar, with four longitudinal yellow stripes, feeding on the 
leaves. 

Description and Life-history. — The adult is a butterfly of the 
same genus as the Imported Cabbage-worm Butterfly (Pieris). 
The black markings on the wings are more numerous and exten- 



INSECTS ATTACKING GARDEN VEGETABLES. 



61 





Fig. 31. Southern Cabbage-worm: a, adult: 
b, larva. 



sive than in rapoz. The 
female protodice is alto- 
gether darker than the 
male. The insect is two- 
brooded, second brood hi- 
bernating in the chrysalid 
stage. 

Remedies. — As for Im- 
ported Cabbage-worms. 

Kansas Notes. — This 
cabbage pest is not as in- 
jurious as the Imported 



Cabbage-worm, or the Cabbage Plusia. 



CABBAGE PLUSIA. 

(Plusia brassicce Riley; Order, Lepidoptera.) 

Diagnosis. — Infesting cabbage, turnip, tomato, celery, clover, 
etc. ; caterpillars about one inch long, pale green, with paler lon- 
gitudinal lines, eating large, irregular holes in the leaves ; the cat- 
erpillars have but five pairs of legs instead of eight pairs, as is the 
case with the Imported Cabbage-worms, and loop the body when 
walking, like a span worm. 

Description and Life-history. — The adult is a moth, expanding 
about 1 J inches, smoky gray with 
brownish tinge, and marked in the 
middle of each front wing with a 
small, silvery, V- shaped mark and 
a small, oval dot. The moth flies 
at night. The eggs are laid on the 
cabbage leaves, and as soon as 
hatched the young larvae begin to 
feed on their favorite food-plant. 
The larva, (described in the diag- 
nosis,) when full-grown, spins a 
thin, loose, white cocoon, often be- 

, ,r i i i j Fig. 32. Cabbage Plusia: a, adult; 

tween the cabbage leaves, and pu- &i i arva . 





62 



INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 



pates. The moth soon emerges and lays eggs for another genera- 
tion. The larvae are to be noticed especially in August and Sep- 
tember. 

Remedies. — The same remedies recommended for the Imported 
Cabbage-worms are applicable to the Cabbage Plusia. 

Kansas Notes. — -This pest at times does much damage to cab- 
bages in Douglas county. 



PEA WEEVIL. 
(Bruchus pisi Linn.; Order, Coleoptera.) 

Diagnosis. — Many small, grayish, snouted beetles (the adult 
weevils) among stored peas in winter and spring; many of the 
peas with small, circular holes. The weeviled peas will float in 
water. 

Description and Life-history. — The adult is a beetle about one- 
fifth of an inch long; general color rusty or grayish-black, with 

a small, white spot on the tho- 
rax. The eggs are laid on the 
green, young pea pods in the 
summer. The eggs are small, 
fusiform, and yellow. The 
grubs on hatching bore 
through the pod into the peas. 
The hole made in the growing 
pea soon closes up, leaving the 
voracious larva within. If the 
pea is used for food the larva 
comes to an untimely end, be- 
ing fairly "in the soup," so to 
speak. If the peas are allowed to ripen and put away for seed, the 
larva continues its eating until there is only a shell left of the pea. 
Weeviled peas are unfit for food, and, as proved by the experi- 
ments of Professor Popenoe, should not be used for seed. During 
the fall and winter the larvae pupate and finally mature as weevils 
(the adult beetles). Some of the beetles emerge from the peas, 
while others remain in them until they are planted. 




Fig. 33. Pea Weevil; a, adult: b, infested 
pea. Enlarged. 



INSECTS ATTACKING GARDEN VEGETABLES. 



63 



Remedies. — Infested peas should be put into an air-tight box 
or bin and treated with bi-sulphide of carbon (see p. 10). This 
fluid is poisonous and inflammable, and must be handled with 
great care. Its fumes are heavier than air, so that the liquid may 
be sprinkled over the surface of the peas, or put into an open dish 
resting on the peas. 

Immersing the infested peas for a minute or two in water 
heated to 140° Fahrenheit will kill all contained weevils and 
larvse. 

Kansas Notes. — This insect is commonly injurious all over the 
State. 



BEAN WEEVIL. 
(Bruchus obtectus Say; Order, Coleoptera.) 

Diagnosis. — Stored beans with a number of small, circular 
holes, or dark, discolored, circular spots ; small weevils ( beetles) 
crawling among the beans. 

Description and Life-history. — The adult Bean Weevil much 
resembles the Pea Weevil, but is little more than one-half as large. 
It is dark colored, lacking the white spot on the thorax. The life- 
history is about the same as that of the Pea Weevil, the eggs 

being laid on the young 
bean pods, of course, in- 
stead of the pea pods. 
In the case of the Pea 
Weevil but one larva 
enters a pea, while with 
the Bean Weevil several 
larvae may find homes in 
a single bean. When the 
stored beans are white, 
the presence of the weevil 
is easily detected by the 
dark ^eye-spot which lies 
over the cell of one of 
the enclosed larvae. The 
m. «.. B KiK *-££{-£ ». P"P*; *. *■* S pot is caused by the fact 




64 



INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 



that at this point only a very thin membrane has been left by the 
larva, through which the adult beetle is to make its way into the 
outer world. Showing through the membrane is the dark, excre- 
mentitious matter filling up the cell. If the beans are dark, 
these spots do not show so plainly. 

Remedies. — Same as for Pea Weevil. 

Kansas Notes. — Prof. E. A. Popenoe gave this pest attention 
in the Second Annual Report of the Experiment Station, Kan- 
sas Agricultural College, for the year 1889 (p. 206 et seq.) He 
states that Limas, English beans and the French asparagus bean 
are practically exempt from attack, as far as his observation 
goes ; in a few cases weevils were found to have developed in the 
large white Limas. Professor Popenoe's observations on the ger- 
minating power of the weeviled beans contradict the statements of 
earlier writers, notably Dr. Riley,* in that 47 per cent, of the 
weeviled beans coming under Professor Popenoe's observation in 
the summer of 1889 were without germinating power, the plu- 
mule, radicle, and cotyledons, constituting the resting germ of the 
bean, all suffering from the attack of the weevil. Professor 
Popenoe recommends killing the weevils when the beans are 
first stored, as it is evident that the beetles continue to breed and 
develop in the dry, stored beans, thus increasing in numbers and 
in destructive effect. 



TOMATO -WORM. 
(Phlegethontius Carolina Linn.; Order, Coleoptera.) 

Diagnosis. — Infesting tomatoes; a large, "ugly," green worm 
(when full-grown three inches long), with several oblique, whit- 
ish stripes on each side of the body and a prominent " horn " on 
the tail, feeding on the leaves. Sometimes the worms are brown 
instead of green. 

Description and Life-history. — The adult is a large, gray " hawk- 
moth," with orange-colored spots along each side of the abdomen. 
The moth has an expanse of wings of four or five inches. The 



* Dr. Riley, in Insect Life, vol. iv, p. 297, (June, 1892,) refers to Professor Popenoe's 
experiments, saying that it is evident that weeviled peas and beans are unfit for seed. 



INSECTS ATTACKING GARDEN VEGETABLES. 65 

eggs are laid in the evening, on tomato plants ; the larvse feed vo- 
raciously for about three weeks, when they go into the ground 
and pupate. The chrysalis is a peculiar object, being a rather 




Fig. 35. Larva of Tomato-worm Moth. 



long, cylindrical case, with a long tongue-case bent backward 
from one end until its top touches the case, forming a handle like 
that of a pitcher. These chrysalids are often turned up by the 
plow or spade. 

Remedies. — As the worms are so large and conspicuous, hand- 
picking is a comparatively easy and a certainly effective remedy. 
Kerosene emulsion (see page 9) may be effectively used in spray- 
ing. 

The worms are infested by the larvse or maggots of a small 
hymenopterous parasite that deposits its eggs on the worm. The 
maggots, on hatching, burrow into the body, living on the juices 
of the host, and finally comiug out on the back of the worm, 
where they spin small, white, silken cocoons. These cocoons are 
conspicuous on the infested Tomato Worm. 

Kansas Notes. — This pest rarely does serious damage, but is 
continually present over the State. 



CUCUMBER BEETLE. 

(Diabrotica vittata Fabr.; Order, Coleoptera.) 

Diagnosis. — Infesting cucumbers, squashes, melons, etc.; a 
small, yellow, black-striped beetle, one-fourth inch long, feeding 
on the leaves and stems. 

Description and Life-history. — The head and antennae of the 
beetles are black, general body-color yellow, and a black me- 
dian stripe on each wing-cover. The eggs are laid in the soil 
—5 



06 



INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 





a 

Fig. 36. Cucumber Beetle: a, larva; 
b, adult. 



about the stem of the food- 
plant, and the hatched lar- 
v?e feed on the roots. These 
larvae are slender, white 
grubs, and, when abun- 
dant, may do considerable 
injury. The major portion 
of the damage by these in- 
sects is done by the adult 
beetles in their feeding on 
the leaves. The insects 
pass the winter in the adult 
or beetle stage, under leaves, logs, and various rubbish. 

Remedies. — Inclosing the young cucumber or melon vines with 
netting keeps the beetles from the leaves, and yet admits light 
and air. Wires thrust in the ground so as to form two crossing 
arches, like the "basket" on a croquet ground, and covered with 
cheese cloth or netting, do well. 

Pyrethrum (see p. 9) may be applied as a powder with some 
dust or powder gun with excellent results. The powder should 
be dusted on in the morning when the dew is still on the leaves. 

Kansas Notes. — This pest is at times very destructive over lim- 
ited areas. This year it has been very abundant in certain Doug- 
las county market gardens. 



OTHER INSECTS ATTACKING GARDEN CROPS. 
Southern Corn-root Worm. 
Kocky Mountain Locust. 
Garden Web-worm. 
Corn Worm — the tomato. 
Fall Army-worm. 
Injurious Grasshoppers. 



INSECTS ATTACKING LARGE FRUITS. 



ROUND-HEADED APPLE-TREE BORER. 
(Saperda Candida Fabr.; Order, Coleoptera.) 

Diagnosis. — Attacking the apple ; careful examination in fall 
revealing a discoloration of the bark near the base of the trunk 
in young trees, the larvse (first year) lying beneath the discolored 
bark ; in spring, cracks in the bark through which castings and 
reddish wood dust drop. Remove the earth from the base of the 
trunk, gently scrape the bark, and examine carefully every un- 
natural-appearing spot. 

Description and Life-history. — The adult insect is a beautiful 
beetle, belonging to the family of " long-horns " or wood-borers. 
It is about three-fourths of an inch long, pale brown above, with 






co 7 c 

Fig. 37. Round-headed Apple-tree Borer; a, larva; &, pupa; c, adult. 

two creamy- white stripes running the whole length of the body. 
The antennae or feelers are almost as long as the body. The eggs 
are laid, according to G. C. Brackett, beneath the surface of the 
bark, generally at the crown (base of the trunk) or in the axis 
of the larger limbs, but also along the body of the trunk and 
large limbs. It is generally stated that the eggs are deposited 
on the bark (see Remedies, this insect). The eggs are deposited 
in Kansas from June until as late as September ( Brackett), the 
female making a slight incision in the bark and thrusting the 
egg beneath one of the flaps at right angles to the cut. Most 
of the eggs are probably laid in June and July. 

(67) 



GS 



INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 



The young larvre or borers are hatched in about two weeks, 
and bore into the inner bark and sap-wood, where they remain in 
shallow cavities for the first 3 r ear of their existence, feeding until 
the winter months, when they move down to the lower part of 







JTig. 38. Egg-laying and final exit of Bound-headed Apple-tree Borer; a, incision 
where egg is laid: ft, same, with the wood split lengthwise along the line a, e, and 
turned so as to show an egg in place; c, same, with the bark split on the same line, 
and removed to the left, so as to show the manner in which the egg is commonly 
thrust to one side under the bark; d, the egg, enlarged; e, hole of exit of beetle; 
/, the same, as it appears from the side when split along the line a, e; g, the burrow 
as it appears while the insect is in the pupa state, and before the bark is perforated. 



their burrows, frequently below the surface of the ground, lying 
inactive till spring. In the spring the larva moves up, and feeds 
again on the inner bark and sap-wood until the following winter. 
During this second season it attains about half its growth, and 
does much damage to the tree by more or less completely gird- 
ling it. After another winter's rest it becomes active again, and 
during the third summer of its existence it cuts cylindrical chan- 
nels into the heart-wood of the tree, and, in the fall, being full- 
grown, bores outward to the bark, lining a cavity at the end of 
its burrow with its castings and wood dust. In this cavity it lies 
inactive till the following spring, when it pupates. Finally, about 
the first of June, it changes to the perfect beetle and gnaws its 
way out through the bark. 

When full-grown the larva is a little over an inch long, fleshy, 
footless, with a round, chestnut-brown head. 



INSECTS ATTACKING LARGE FRUITS. 69 

Remedies — A preventive which has been much recommended 
is that of washing the base of the tree trunk with an alkaline 
mixture. One quart of soft soap or one pound of hard soap, with 
about two gallons of water and a pint of crude carbolic acid, 
should be mixed, and thoroughly applied with a scrub brush to 
the collar of the tree ; some applied to the principal fork of the 
tree may do good. This wash is repulsive to the beetle and pre- 
vents the laying of the eggs. The wash should be applied first 
late in May and occasionally thereafter in June and July. 

Mr. G. C. Brackett, secretary of the Kansas State Horticultu- 
ral Society, claims that washes and external applications are not 
practically reliable as a preventive of egg-laying. (Report State 
Horticultural Society for 1879, p. 199.) 

A tedious but sure method is that of cutting out the young 
larvse. A careful examination of the tree for discolorations in 
the bark, and for castings issuing from the trunk, will usually re- 
veal the whereabouts of the borers. They may be cut out with a 
sharp knife, or, if they have burrowed deeply, may be reached 
by using a stout, wire probe. 

Kansas Notes. — The Round-headed Apple-tree Borer has long 
been recognized as, next to the Codlin Moth, perhaps, the most 
serious apple pest in the State. References to its presence are 
conspicuous in the reports of the State Horticultural Society 
since the beginning of their publication. This borer is a native 
of America, being first described by Thomas Say in 1824. It 
lives, also, according to Saunders, in native crab-trees, in the com- 
mon June-berry, the pear, quince, and mountain ash. 



PLAT-HEADED APPLE-TREE BORER. 
(Chrysobothris femorata Fabr.; Order, Coleoptera.) 

Diagnosis. — Attacking the trunk and larger branches of the 
apple : on examination of the trees in the fall, presence of young 
borers is detected by discolored spots, cracking of the bark, or 
sawdust-like excrement. Sickly and newly planted trees are es- 
pecially liable to attack. In summer the adult beetle (three- 
eighths to one-half inch long, flattish, oblong, greenish-black, feet 



70 



INJUKIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 





Fig. 39. Flat-headed Apple-tree 
Borer; beetle and larva. 



shining green) may be seen "basking in the sunshine" on 
tree trunks. 

Description and Life-history. — This apple pest is markedly dif 
ferent, in both larval and adult states, from the Round-headed 
Apple-tree Borer. The adult is a beetle belonging to the family 

Buprestidse. " It is of a nattish, ob- 
long form, and of a shining, greenish- 
black color, each of its wing-cases 
[or covers] having three raised lines, 
the other two interrupted by two im- 
pressed transverse spots of a brassy 
color, dividing each wing-cover into 
three nearly equal portions. The 
under side of the body and the legs shine like burnished copper ; 
the feet are shining green." The beetle is from three-eighths to 
one-half an inch long. It is seen from June 1 to the middle of 
August. The following notes on the life-history of the pest in 
Kansas are quoted from a report of the committee of entomology 
of the Douglas County Horticultural Society (see Kansas Horti- 
cultural Report, vol. ix (1879), p. 166; reprinted in other vol- 
umes of the reports) : 

Your committee beg leave to offer the following deductions from 
their observations of the Flat-headed Apple-tree Borer, so destructive to 
orchards, shade and ornamental trees, during the years 1874 and 1875, 
in this State: 

1. This very destructive insect made its first appearance in the beetle 
form on May 25; were the most numerous between the middle of June 
and August 1. A few were seen as late as August 26. 

2. They commenced depositing eggs by the middle of June, which 
were placed under scales and in crevices of the bark, generally upon 
the side exposed to the direct rays of the sun. Wounded portions, 
made by bruises, trimming off of branches, and sun-scalds, were found 
especially inviting to their deposits. 

3. They infest only such trees as are debilitated. Late transplanting, 
protracted drouths, derangements of the organisms by extremes of heat 
and cold, unproductive soil, neglect in care and cultivation, produce a 
low condition of vitality in trees, a condition sought for by the mother 
of this species as most naturally adapted to a successful procreation. 

4. The larva, or worm, does not survive a vigorous flow of sap, nor 
endure a continual shade. In the first condition it drowns, and in the 
second it weakens and dies. 

5. It deposits its eggs during the middle of the day, and only during 
warm, sunny days. In the morning and evening, on stormy days and 



INSECTS ATTACKING LARGE FRUITS. 71 

during the night, it retires to the small branches among the dense foli- 
age, for a cover, and is very sluggish. 

6. It infests the apple, pear, cherry, plum, quince, white maple, wil- 
low, ash, tulip, and strawberry bush, and there is some evidence that 
the elm and Cottonwood are being attacked by it. 

The young larva, soon hatching from the eggs in the crevices of 
the bark, eats its way through the outer bark, continues for some 
time feeding just beneath the surface, leaving a flattened burrow 
filled with its sawdust-like castings. A single borer oftentimes 
girdles a young tree. The larva soon burrows deeper, and feeds 
on the inner sap-wood. While feeding beneath the bark, the 
presence of the larva is fairly apparent on examination, and it 
is at this time (in September and October) that much can be 
done toward ridding the trees of the pests. 

The mature larva is a pale yellow, footless grub, with its ante- 
rior end greatly enlarged and flattened. When ready to pupate, 
the larva gnaws its way out from the sap-wood and partially 
through the bark. Here, in about three weeks, it changes to the 
adult or perfect beetle, which gnaws its way through the remaining 
covering of bark and escapes. The transformations of this in- 
sect are thought to take place in a year, (differing in this from the 
Round headed Borer,) but this is not known with certainty. 

Remedies. — As for the Round-headed Apple-tree Borer. 

Several hymenopterous parasites attack this pest ; woodpeckers 
seek out the larvse and eat them. 

The report of the Douglas County Horticultural Society com- 
mittee of entomology, previously referred to, included several 
recommendations of remedial measures. I quote from the report 
as follows : 

In view of the foregoing facts, your committee would recommend 
that all such varieties of trees found liable to the attacks of this insect 
should be planted in the spring as early as the ground can be placed in 
suitable condition to receive them; and to facilitate early planting, fall 
plowing and preparation is advisable; that vigorous trees, carefully dug 
so as to preserve a large amount of the roots, be obtained in the fall and 
properly trenched in upon the premises, handy for planting. As soon as 
set, remove a large portion of the last year's growth. Mulch the ground 
for the space of two feet around — three or four feet would be better — 
and wrap the bodies with some cheap material, as newspapers, hay, or 
old rags. Plant no crops among them which will prevent constant and 
thorough cultivation of the ground, and especially leave ample room 
on each side of the rows for the free use of the plow without endanger- 
ing the roots or chafing the bodies and branches. This care in plant- 



72 INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 

ing, followed with constant cultivation, will produce a strong, vigorous 
growth, which of itself is the most complete safeguard against the at- 
tacks of this borer. 

If through ignorance or neglect trees already planted have become 
infested during the year previous, the only method of combating it is 
to destroy the beetle as soon as it comes forth from its burrow. The 
time, as stated, of its first appearance is the last of May; and at this 
time the search should begin, and be kept up unceasingly and thor- 
oughly through the season, or until the last one has been captured 
and destroyed. As alleged in deduction No. 5, the beetle is active 
only during the middle of sunny days, and in the morning and evening 
and during cloudy and stormy days it is sluggish. A touch even, or a 
jarring of the trees will frequently cause it to drop to the ground, and, 
opossom-like, it will appear as dead for a moment, and is easily killed. 
But in the middle of the day, when the sun has warmed it, it is very 
active and quick to run, often taking to the wing to escape at the first 
approach of man. However, if approached from the opposite side of 
the tree, a quick slap of the hand, covering it, will destroy in most 
attempts. Generally it will be found upon the southern side of the 
tree, basking in the sun's warmth, though at the approach of man it 
will often quickly glide to the opposite side to conceal itself from sight. 
All sides should be carefully examined. 

Your committee would especially call your attention to deductions 
Nos. 2 and 4. In No. 2 it is stated that sun-scalds are favorite spots, 
inviting the attack of this borer, and in No. 4, that it does not seek, 
nor can endure, a continual shade. These two facts furnish a strong 
argument in favor of low heads and a shady growth as requisites 
of successful orcharding in this climate, as sun-scalds seldom occur 
upon trees of such a form, nor will such a growth furnish congenial 
conditions for the existence of the progeny of the flat-heads. As it is 
not presumable that all the beetles will be captured, it will become 
necessary to examine the trees for the purpose of destroying the worms 
hatched from the eggs which the uncaptured beetle may deposit. To 
detect their whereabouts is to the inexperienced quite a difficult under- 
taking. Until late in summer or early in autumn, no external marks 
indicate their presence save a small speck, or sometimes a dark line, 
so fine that they will not attract the attention of those not understand- 
ing the cause as being anything injurious to the trees. It will be nec- 
essary for such persons to examine into every unnatural-looking spot 
the eye may detect. Experience will soon remove the necessity for so 
close and careful examination and enable one to detect what are the 
reliable markings indicating their presence. In this work a sharp 
knife is all that is needed, if begun in proper time, as they will be found 
in and just under the bark, until about September 1, when the first 
ones hatched will commence to penetrate the wood. In cases where 
they have entered the wood, a probe made of common broom wire is 
all-sufficient with which to thrust them through or drag them from 
their holes. If, after several thrusts, a milky substance is discovered 



INSECTS ATTACKING LARGE FRUITS. 73 

at the extremity of the probe, it is safe to conclude that a fatal stab 
has been given the worm, and you can pass to the next. They will be 
found the most numerous along the margins of wounds and new 
formations, healing places, where branches have been cut off, and upon 
the side of those branches having an exposure to the sun. Branches 
which have become bent by a heavy load of fruit are liable to their at- 
tacks upon the upper side, as the sap becomes sluggish in such places. 

Kansas. Notes — This borer is a native American insect, and is 
found all over the country. It is mentioned in the Transactions 
of the Kansas Horticultural Society for 1873. (See pp. 123 and 
133.) In the Transactions of the Society for 1874, Mr. G. C- 
Brackett says (p. 194) : 

This of all others has been the most troublesome to the orchardist 
during the past season, and the most difficult to combat. . . . Row 
after row of fine and promising young orchards throughout the State 
have been literally cut to pieces by their silent and incessant gnawing. 

In the report of the committee of entomology, Kansas State 
Horticultural Society for 1884, (see Report of Kansas State Hor- 
ticultural Society for 1885, p. 102,) it is said : 

This insect is of very general distribution throughout the State, and 
seems to be present wherever apple trees are planted. It breeds in 
many of our native fruit-trees, and it will probably be always with us. 
. . . In some localities the loss occasioned by it is very great. H. 
E. VanDeman estimates its injuries as equal to 25 per cent, of the 
trees in our orchards. L.A.Simmons writes that "it has destroyed 
many thousands of trees, the year they were planted." G. W. Ashby 
calls it "the terror of the orchardist." Many others mention it as 
being destructive to young or neglected orchards. 



APPLE-ROOT LOUSE. 
(Schizoneura lanigera Hausm.; Order, Hemiptera.) 

Diagnosis. — Infesting apple; starving and weakening, some- 
times dying trees, with no indication of borers, nor any visible 
insect pests at work ; on examination of the roots, small, wart-like 
swellings of all shapes and sizes, and in these swellings minute 
Dlant-lice covered with bluish-white " wool." 

Description and Life-history. — This insect is one of the plant- 
lice, minute, soft-bodied, mostly wingless insects which live by 



74 



INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 



sucking plant juices. They have fine, sharp-pointed, sucking 
beaks. Under the microscope, the beak of the Apple-root Louse 
will be found to be about three-fourths as long as the body of the 
louse, and it is usually folded back under the body. With this 
beak the lice puncture the root and rootlets of the tree, sucking 




!Fig. 40. Apple-koot Louse: a, infested root: 5, young: c, winged adult: d, a leg: 
• e, the sucking beak; /, antenna of adult; g, antenna of young. 

from them the nourishing juices and seriously impoverishing the 
tree. The swellings are expansions of the root tissue, caused by 
the irritation of the punctures. 

The lice sometimes ascend from the roots and attack the 
branches, gathering in groups on the tender bark. They may 
easily be recognized here by the white cottony or woolly covering 
of their bodies. 

Remedies. — The Apple-root Louse has many natural enemies, 
as have all plant-lice. Several predaceous beetles, conspicuous 
among them certain ''lady-birds" (little sub-hemispherical bee- 
tles), and the footless maggots of various two- winged flies (Syr- 
phidse), consider the soft-bodied lice to be dainty tid-bits. 

Scalding water (temperature not exceeding 150° F.) poured 
freely over the infested roots is the best remedy yet devised. The 
roots may be laid bare and the hot water freely poured over them 
without injury. A mulch placed around the trees will bring 
many of the lice to the surface, when the hot water may be ef- 
fectively applied. Drenching the roots with soap-suds followed 
by a liberal dressing of wood ashes is recommended. 

Dr. Lintner, State Entomologist of New York, finds that two 



INSECTS ATTACKING LARGE FRUITS. 75 

or three pounds of gas lime distributed over the surface of the 
soil within a radius of four feet from the tree, trusting to rain to 
carry the lime into the soil, is very effective. Mr. N. P. Deniing, 
of Douglas county, adopts this method (I believe he was not 
aware of Dr. Lintner's recommendation, but devised it for him- 
self) with good results. 

Young trees from the nursery, which are found to be infested, 
should have their roots dipped into weak lye. Concerning in- 
fested nursery stock, I quote the following sensible and vigorous 
remarks from Mr. G. C. Brackett (Report State Horticultural 
Society for 1879, p. 173) : 

To nurserymen let the injunction be given, and doubly emphasized, 
that, for their own reputations' sake as honorable, intelligent and 
"square" men, having the highest regard for the horticultural interests 
of our State, and an honest desire for the success of those engaged in 
rearing orchards, they should never allow trees infested with this louse 
to go from their grounds — not even for thrice the price of clean trees — 
thereby scattering the seed that shall cause an incalculable injury, and 
losses of the most serious character; and the nurseryman who is not 
well informed with reference to the insects and their habits, which in- 
fest the trees and plants which he propagates and offers for sale in the 
market, is disqualified for the pursuit, has mistaken his calling, and 
there exists no apology for him. 

Kansas Notes. — This apple pest has been, as the Apple-tree 
Borers, known in Kansas almost since apple growing began. In 
1848 it was abundant in the eastern United States, and since 
then has become disseminated over the whole country. In the 
Report of the Kansas State Horticultural Society for 1880 
(p. 176), it is reported as having seriously injured the trees of a 
fruit-grower in Franklin county "for several years past." 



SPRING CANKER-WORM. 
(Anisopteryx vernata Peck; Order, Lepidoptera.) 

Diagnosis. — Attacking the apple; many grayish measuring- 
worms, about an inch long, defoliating the trees in the sjning ; 
when disturbed, the worms let themselves down from the branches, 
suspended by silken threads ; when walking, move with a looping 
or measuring motion. 



76 



INJUEIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 




.Fig. 41. Spring Canker-worm; 
a, larva; b, magnified egg and a 
small cluster of eggs; c, magni- 
fied portion of side of larva, and 
d, same of back, showing mark- 
ings. 



Description and Life-history. — The adult insect is a brownish- 
gray moth (male), with wings expanding about one inch. The 
fore wings have darker markings, and the hind wings are light 
gray with a dusky central dot. The female is wingless, having a 
peculiar, spider-like appearance. She is from three- to four-tenths 
of an inch in length. 

The moths issue in early spring from chrysalids which have 
passed the winter in the ground. The female crawls up the tree 

and deposits her eggs in small masse s 
on the twigs or branches. The young 
larvae or caterpillars issue just as the 
leaves begin to unfold from the bud. 
The young larva is " dark olive-green 
or brown in color, with a black, shin- 
ing head." The larvse feed vora- 
ciously, and in Kansas are usually 
full-grown by the middle of May, 
when they enter the ground to pupate- 
They remain in the ground as chrysa- 
lids until the following spring ; a few, however, probably issue in 
the fall of the first year. The larva or "worm" is about one inch 
long; the head mottled and spotted; the body is longitudinally 
striped with many 
pale lines. When in 
large numbers, this 
pest may so com- 
pletely defoliate an 
orchard as to leave 
the trees as if swept 
by fire. Two or three 
successive visitations 
of the pest in large 
numbers generally kill the infested trees. 

Remedies. — The Canker-worm is a great favorite with insectiv- 
orous birds, more than fifty species of birds which feed on the 
worms being enumerated by Maynard. 

Spraying with London purple (see p. 8) or Paris green (see 
p. 7) is probably the most effective remedy. The spraying should 
be done soon after the worms hatch. 

Preventing the ascent of the wingless female up the tree trunks 





Fig. 42. Spring Canker-worm; a, male moth: &, female 
moth; c, joints of antenna of female moth: d, joint of 
abdomen of female moth; e, retractile ovipositor of fe- 
male. 



INSECTS ATTACKING LARGE FRUITS. 77 

to lay her eggs may be accomplished by encircling the tree with 
a narrow band of some sticky substance, as refuse sorghum mo- 
lasses, printer's ink, pine tar, etc. The sticky substance should 
be spread on a canvas or paper band tied tightly around the tree 
trunk. The application should be made in the first mild days 01 
spring, and the band kept sticky by frequent renewals until the 
leaves are started on the tree. 

If the Canker-worms are once thoroughly exterminated in an 
orchard, they may not reappear for a long time. Owing to the 
wingless condition of the females, the pest spreads slowly; but 
for this very reason a local attack largely increases in strength 
with each succeeding year, the females of each succeeding gener- 
ation being confined to a limited range. 

Kansas Notes. — Mr. G. C. Brackett, in the Transactions Kan- 
sas State Horticultural Society for 1873, says (p. 114): 

. . . There is not any reason, judging from the past, to believe 
that they [Canker-worms] will ever become so numerous in this climate 
as to do us any material injury. I have not seen it here only in a very 
few instances, and am of the opinion that in these few cases the eggs 
had been introduced upon trees brought from the more northern and 
eastern States. They continued one season, and, from some debilitat- 
ing cause, weakened and died out. 

The first serious occurrence- in Kansas of this pest was in 1879 
in the large orchard of D. W. Houston, in Anderson county. 
(See Report State Horticultural Society for 1880, p. 169; also, 
Report State Horticultural Society for 1882, p. 154.) This or- 
chard consisted of 4,000 trees. In 1879, first appearance, they 
defoliated 300 trees ; the following year they defoliated 3,000 trees 
in the same orchard, "leaving the trees," to use Colonel Houston's 
words, " as bare of foliage as they were in January." 

They next appeared in Neosho, Allen, Woodson, Montgomery, 
Chautauqua and Douglas counties. The following year they 
were observed in Osage, Coffey, Wilson and Elk counties in ad- 
dition, and in that portion of the State embraced by the lower 
Neosho and Verdigris rivers and their tributaries the injuries 
were very severe. In 1884, the worms did not appear in such 
abundance in the infested region. 



78 



INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 



OODLIN MOTH. 

{Carpocapsa pomonella Linn.; Order, Lepidoptera.) 

Diagnosis. — Infesting the apple (in fruit); while the apples 
are on the tree, small masses of reddish-brown castings protrud- 
ing from a hole on the side of the apple or at the eye (the end 
opposite the stalk end ) ; on cutting into these apples, a soft, flesh- 
colored, brown-headed, sixteen-legged larva or grub, boring and 
eating around the core. Many infested apples fall to the ground ; 
from these apples the grubs have usually escaped. In the winter 
many small, tough cocoons on the apple barrels (between hoops 
and staves). 

Description and Life-history. — The Codlin Moth is probably 
the most seriously injurious of apple pests. The adult is a small, 
ashy-gray and brown moth, its wings expanding about three-fourths 

of an inch. Each fore 
wing has a large, oval, 
tawny-brown spot on its 
hinder margin. The 
moths appear about May 
1, from hibernating chrys- 
alids, and lay their eggs 
singly at the blossom ends 
of the young apples. The 
egg hatches in about one 
week, and the young larva 
begins eating its way into 
the core. The newly- 
hatched grub is white, 
with blackish head. As 
it grows older and larger 
the body becomes pinkish 
or flesh-colored, and the 
head brown. When full- 
grown, it measures about three-fourths of an inch in length 
The castings are pushed out of the entrance hole at the blossom 
end of the apple, or a new and larger hole is made at the side 
of the fruit. The larvse become full-grown in three or four 
weeks after hatching, by which time the infested fruit has gener- 







Fig. 4.3. Codlin Moth; a, section of infested ap- 
ple, showing burrows and channel of exit; 
b, point of egg-laying, and entrance of young 
larva; e, larva; h, head and first segment of 
larva, enlarged ; i, the cocoon; d, chrysalis, 
which is inclosed in the cocoon; /, g. moth. 



INSECTS ATTACKING LARGE FRUITS. 79 

ally fallen to the ground. The first grubs begin to leave the apples 
in Kansas about the first of June. They spin up and pupate in 
crevices in the bark of the apple trees, and the adult moths issue 
in about two weeks. These moths lay eggs on the later apples, and 
another brood of grubs does what damage it can. These larvse 
mature in the fall, but do not pupate, invariably passing the winter 
in the larval state either within the stored apples, or within a co- 
coon on the tree, or in the store-house. They pupate in early spring, 
and issue as moths about the first of May. The insect is thus two- 
brooded. Besides the apple, it is known to attack the pear, plum, 
and peach. There is usually but a single grub to an apple ; as 
many as four or five have been found in one fruit, however. 

Remedies.— As most of the infested apples fall to the ground 
before the grub escapes, gathering and destroying the apples, as 
soon as fallen (the larva soon escapes from the fallen fruit), is an 
effective remedy. 

Trapping the insects, by providing places for them in which to 
spin up, is very effectual. Bands of wrapping paper or rags 
should be tied about the tree trunks about the first of June. They 
should be visited weekly, or once in 10 days, and the spun-up 
larvse or chrysalids destroyed. The paper bands can be taken off 
and burned ; if rags are used, they may be scalded and then re- 
placed. That the larvse may be induced to frequent these bands, 
the rough bark should be scraped from the trunk, and all rub- 
bish and weeds should be cleared from the ground near the trees. 

As many of the second brood of larvse are stored with the win- 
ter apples, the barrels should be carefully examined during the 
winter and all hibernating larvse (within cocoons) found should 
be killed. 

Spraying with London purple (see p. 8) against this pest has 
been tested and pronounced a valuable remedial measure. The 
spraying should be done at the time of the first falling of the 
blossoms, when the calyces are turned up, forming so many little 
cups on the blossom ends of the fruits, into which the poison falls. 
The newly-hatched larvse endeavoring to penetrate the forming 
fruit are killed. The spraying should be repeated in 10 days or 
two weeks after the first application. One pound of London pur- 
ple should be mixed with 250 gallons of water. 

Kansas Notes. — This pest is of foreign origin, having been im- 
ported into this country from Europe about the beginning of this 



80 INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 

century. It has spread all over North America, and is, perhaps, 
our most destructive apple pest. Professor Popenoe has estimated 
the damage in Kansas orchards sometimes to amount to two- 
thirds of the crop. The pest has been known in Kansas since 
apples began to bear. It was first noticeable near Missouri river 
towns, and gradually spread over the State, following railroads 
and other lines of travel. It is transported chiefly by the ship- 
ment of wormy fruit. 

It is mentioned constantly in the published transactions and 
reports of the State Horticultural Society since the first meeting 
of the society, in 1871. 



TARNISHED PLANT-BUG. 
(Lygus lineolaris P. Beauv.; Order, Hemiptera.) 

Diagnosis— '-Attacking the apple, pear, quince, plum, cherry, 
strawberry, and many herbaceous plants ; a small, dark-brown to 
yellowish-brown sucking bug, one-fifth of an inch long, ( head yel- 
lowish, with three narrow, reddish stripes; thorax yellow-mar- 
gined, with several yellow, longitudinal lines, a more or less distinct 
yellow V- mark behind the thorax;) attacking the buds, young 
leaves, and young fruit. 

Description and Life- history. —The insect hibernates in the 
adult state, finding shelter beneath leaves, in rubbish, etc., and 
coming out during the first warm days 
of early spring. The flying bugs appear 
with the first vegetation. They bury 
themselves among the expanding buds, or 
in the blossoms, and suck the life j uices of 
the plant. Affected fruit buds appear as 
if frost-bitten . The blossoms of apple trees 
are a favorite feeding ground of this pest. 
The eggs are laid on the food-plant, and 
the young bugs appear as early as the 
middle of April and first of May. The Ito - **■ Ta ;S™ Plast " 
young resemble the adult in shape, (see 
description in Diagnosis, this insect,) but are green, and lack 




INSECTS ATTACKING LARGE FRUITS. 81 

wings or have very short ones. There are two, and perhaps more, 
broods in a season (Weed). In the fall, only mature individu- 
als are found ; at this time they frequent golden-rods, sunflowers, 
asters, and other fall flowers. The injuries to fruit-trees are 
done in the spring; "buttoning" of strawberries is often . caused 
by this pest (Weed). 

Remedies. — Kerosene emulsion or pyrethrum (see p. 9) prove 
effective. Arsenical poisons cannot be used, of course, as the in- 
sect does not eat the leaves, but sucks the juices from them. 

By shaking the infested trees in spring, early in the morning, 
when the bugs are sluggish, many may be captured and destroyed. 

Kansas Notes. — In the Transactions of the Kansas State Hor- 
ticultural Society for 1873, Prof. E. A. Popenoe reports seeing 
many Tarnished Plant-bugs in the blossoms of apple trees. They 
have been observed continuously since, and certainly do consider- 
able harm annually. 



APPLE-TREE TWIG BORER, 

(Amphicerus bicaudatvs Say; Order, Coleoptera.) 

Diagnosis. — Infesting the apple; leaves turning brown, and 
small twigs withering; on examination, small holes found near 
buds, usually in the axils, from six inches to a foot from the end 
of the twig ; the twigs break off freely in high winds. 

Description and Life-history. — This pest is a small, cylindrical, 
dark-brown beetle, from one-fourth to one-third of an inch long. 
The injury is mostly done by the adult, which bores into small 
branches of apple, pear, cherry, sumac, and grape, and digs a 
cylindrical burrow within the branch one or two inches long. The 
life-history of this pest has been studied by Prof. E. A. Popenoe. 
For a considerable time after the insect had been recognized as a 
pest of fruit-trees, the life-history and the character of the early stages 
were unknown. Professor Popenoe concludes from his studies 
that the beetle is single-brooded, hibernating in the adult state, 
emerging in the spring (April and May), and depositing eggs in 
unhealthy or dead wood of grape-vines and tamarix. The larvae 
on hatching bore into, the canes and make cylindrical burrows. 
—6 



82 



INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 




CLMMLLlTT 



Fio. 45. Transformations of the Apple-twiu Borer: the figures, excepting 
which is natural size, are enlarged, the hair-lines at the side, in a, b, <7, and <j. show- 
ing the actual size; a. the female beetle from above: b. outline side view of male 
beetle; c, antenna, showing structure: rt, full-grown larva: e, head and antenna. 
/, the right legs of the larva: g, front view of pupa, in outline: //, twig, showing. al)'»v~. 
the larval burrow packed with castings, and below, the pupa in its cell. 



The larva? transform to pupa? in the burrows, and the insect ma- 
tures in the fall or winter. The beetles burrow into fruit and 
forest trees for protection and food, and may be found in them 
head downward. 

The injuries done by the pest are to grape canes, into which it 
bores as larva?, and to orchard trees, into which it bores as adult 
beetles. 

Remedies. — The dying twigs in winter, caused by the beetles' 
burrows, should be collected and burned, thus destroying many 
adults. 

All prunings, diseased and dead vines should be carefully c [- 
lected in the vineyard and destroyed, thus taking away sought-: 
breeding-places, and also, if done in the summer, destroying ma 
larva?. 

Kmisas Notes. — In Report Kansas State Horticultural Soci-!: 



INSECTS ATTACKING LAKGE FRUITS. 83 

for 1885, Mr. A. N. Godfrey mentions it (p. 163) as an apple 
pest, but says "it is never seriously injurious." 

In the First Annual Keport of the Kansas Experiment Sta- 
tion, State Agricultural College, for 1888, Prof. E. A. Popenoe 
(p. 209 et seq.) writes of this pest. Referring to its presence in 
Kansas, he says: 

Among the numerous insects concerning which information has been 
asked during the season past, none, seemingly, has attracted more gen- 
eral attention than the Apple-twig Borer. Specimens of the insect, and 
its work in grape-vines and apple twigs, have reached us from various 
points in eastern and central Kansas, Norton and Lane being the west- 
ernmost counties from which complaints are noted. 

In a letter, with specimens, to this department last May, a cor- 
respondent at Solomon Rapids, Mitchell county, says: "I fear 
they will destroy my orchard." However, not much fear for old 
trees need be entertained. Most of the injury is done in the nur- 
sery and in recently-set-out orchards. 



FALL WEB -"WORM. 
(Hyphantria textor Harris; Order, Lepidoptera.) 

Diagnosis. — Attacking the apple; caterpillars about an inch 
long or less, pale yellowish to bluish-black, covered with tufts of 
long, yellowish hairs, arising from small, black or orange-yellow 
protuberances; feeding in swarms within large webs, occasionally 
outside of the webs, in late summer and early autumn (not in 
spring) ; attacking, also, other fruit-trees and forest trees. 

Description and Life- history. —The adult insect is a milk-white, 
unspotted moth, measuring about 1 \ inches from tip to tip of ex- 
panded wings. It flies at night. The eggs are laid in patches on 
the under sides of the leaves, in June. The larvae issue in July and 
August, and immediately spin a web inclosing the group. They 
eat only the soft portion of the leaves, leaving the veins and under 
skin untouched. The young larva is pale yellowish, with scatter- 
tering hairs, black head, and a longitudinal stripe on each side of 
the body, yellow interrupted by black speckles. They feed vora- 
ciously, and when full-grown suddenly leave the webs and scatter 
over the tree. The full-grown larva has a greenish-yellow ground 



84 



INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 






Fig. 46. Fall, Web-worm: a, larva: b. pupa; c, adult. 



color, with velvety-black 
back. The sides are 
speckled with black, ex- 
cept for two yellow 
stripes. Beneath, dusty 
or smoky-brown. Cov- 
ered with dusty-white to 
reddish-brown, long, 
straight hairs, in tufts 
rising from "warts." 
The general color varies 
somewhat — in some, black predominating, in others yellow. 

When ready to pupate (in September and October [Saunders]), 
the larvie descend to the ground, and, burrowing into it a few 
inches, change to chrysalids within delicate silken cocoons. They 
pass the winter in the pupal stage, the moths emerging in May 
and June. 

The Fall Web-w r orm is easily distinguishable from the Tent 
Caterpillar, which it resembles in its web-making habits, by 
the following contrasted points in the life-history of the two 
species : 

"The Fall Web-worm hibernates in the pupal state; appears 
mostly in the fall ; its eggs are deposited on the leaf, and hatch 
before the leaf falls ; it feeds on the parenchyma (filling) of the 
leaf under its web. The Tent Caterpillar hibernates in the egg 
state, and the worm hatches in the spring ; the moth is reddish- 
brown; its eggs are deposited around a twig, because they have 
to pass the winter, and would get lost with the leaves if deposited 
upon them ; it devours the whole leaf outside of its tent." 

Remedies. — The immediate betrayal of the presence of the 
worms, by the conspicuous, unsightly webs, renders their destruc- 
tion merely a matter of persistent work. The web-infested limbs 
may be cut off and the worms burned or crushed ; or, if taking 
off the limbs is objectionable, the worms may be crushed within 
the webs with gloved hands. 

Kansas Notes. — In Transactions Kansas State Horticultural So- 
ciety for 1873, Mr. Brackett reports (p. 119): "Fall Web-worms 
are becoming quite frequent and numerous. They feed on leaves 
of apple, maple, willow, quince, and I have seen them on the wild 
plum, the oak, and the Osage orange." In the Report of Kansas 



INSECTS ATTACKING LARGE FRUITS. 



85 



State Horticultural Society for 1882, Mr. A. N. Godfrey says of 
this pest : 

During the late summer months our forest trees became partially 
covered with a thick web, spun among the outer branches and terminal 
shoots. . . . The Web-worm is found on most of our forest and 
fruit-trees, but seems to prefer the hickory and walnut among the for- 
mer, and the pear among the latter. 



APPLE-TREE TENT CATERPILLAR. 

(Clisiocampa americana Harris; Order, Lepidoptera.) 

Diagnosis. — Hairy, blackish caterpillars, two inches or less in 
length ; white stripe along the back ; feeding on the leaves in 
May and June ; silken webs or " tents " in which the caterpillars 
lie at night, on stormy days, and at other times when not feeding. 

Descrijrtion and Life-history. — The adult is a reddish-brown 
moth, with conspicuously (male) or inconspicuously (female) 
feathered antenna?; expanse of wings 
about 1 J inches. The moth appears 
in June, and is unprovided with 
developed mouth-parts. It deposits 
its eggs and soon dies. The eggs 
are deposited in masses of two or 
three hundred, arranged in "ring- 
like clusters" on the twigs. The 
egg mass is covered with a sort of 
varnish unaffected by rain. The 
larvse do not come from the eggs 
until the following spring, hatching 
about May 1, at the time the first 
leaf buds are expanding. They feed 
five or six weeks before becoming 
full-grown. The " tents" are spun 
immediately after hatching, and en- 
larged, or new ones spun as nec- 
essary. The full-grown larvae are 
almost two inches long, " hairy and black, with a white stride 
down the back, and on each side of this central stripe there are 



I 




Fig. 47. Apple-tree Tent Cater- 
pillar; a, larva: b, cluster of eggs 
around twig. 



86 



INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 



a number of short, irregular, longitudinal, yellow lines. On the 
sides are paler lines, with spots and streaks of pale blue. The 
under side of the body is nearly black." The "tents" are irreg- 
ular in form, and have openings in the angles which serve as en- 
trance and exit ways for the caterpillars. " It is estimated that 
each larva, when approaching maturity, will consume two leaves 
in a day ; so that every day that a nest of such marauders is per- 
mitted to remain on a tree there is a sacrifice of about 500 leaves" 
(Saunders). When full-grown and ready to pupate, the larvae 
spin yellowish, double-webbed cocoons in protected spots (such as 
"the angles formed by the projection of the cap boards of fences 
or fence posts "), and change to brown chrvsalids. The following 
May the moths emerge. 

Remedies. — As the caterpillars are all in the tents at night and 
rarely go out to feed before 9 a. m. (Saunders ), they may be easily 
destroyed. Cut off the web-infested branches with the inclosed 
caterpillars, and burn or crush the tent and contents, or crush 
with gloved hands without cutting off the branch. Several para- 
sitic ichneumon flies do much toward keeping the pest in check. 

Kansas Notes. — In the Transactions Kansas State Horticultu- 
ral Society for 1873, the Tent Caterpillar is mentioned as a com- 
mon orchard pest. In the report of the committee on entomology. 
Transactions State Horticultural Society for 1874, Mr. G. C. 
Brackett says (p. 192) : "This worm, Apple-tree Tent Caterpillar, 
so familiar to every orchardist, has been less numerous, either 
among trees in the orchards and fruit-trees, or among forest trees, 
than during many seasons previous." In the same Transactions, 
Mr. G. Y. Johnson, speaking for the eastern half of Douglas 
county, says (p. 208): "The Tent Caterpillar has entirely disap- 
peared from this locality," which may be traced most directly to 
the agency of the ichneumon fly. 

Since 1874, rare mention is made of this pest in horticultural 
reports, and the parasites have undoubtedly succeeded in keeping 
it in check. 



INSECTS ATTACKING LARGE FRUITS. 



87 




PLUM CUftCULIO. 

(Conotrachelus nenuphar Herbst.; Order, Coleoptera.) 

''(gnosis. — Diseased and gummy, unripe plums falling to the 
ground; within these plums a small, white, soft, footless grub. 
Many of the plums hanging in the tree marked with a small, 
-cent-shaped slit. 

' >■ sr-ription arid Life-history. — This is the most formidable plum 

pest of this country. The adult 
insect is a "small, rough, gray- 
ish-black beetle about one-fifth 
of an inch long, with a black, 
shining hump on the middle of 
each wing-case, and behind this 
a more or less distinct band of 
a dull, ochre-yellow color, with 
some whitish marks about the 
middle." The beetle belongs to 
the family of curculios or snouted 
beetles; the snout of our plum 
weevil is rather short, but yet 
easily made out. 
The eggs are laid in the young, green fruit shortly after it is 
formed. The female cuts through the skin of the fruit with her 
jaws, which are at the tip of the snout. She then enlarges this 
hole, deposits an egg in it, pushing the egg well into the hole with 
her snout. She next cuts a small, crescent-shaped slit in front of 
the hole, so as to undermine the egg and leave it in a sort of flap 
The object of the crescent slit is probably to wilt the flap, and 
thus prevent the growing fruit from crushing the egg. The female 
lavs from 50 to 100 eggs. The larva, as soon as hatched, begins 
feed upon the pulp of the fruit, boring a winding channel to 
the center, where it feeds around the stone. The larva, full-grown, 
is about two-fifths of an inch long, soft, glassy white, with light- 
brown head and without feet. The infested fruit usually drops 
i ff and falls to the ground before the larva finishes its feeding. 
Within the fallen plum the larva completes its growth, crawls out 
and into the ground for several inches, and changes to pupa. 
After three or four weeks it emerges as an adult weevil (beetle). 



Fig. 48. Plum Ctibculio: «, larva: 

b, pupa: o, adult: d. plum, showing 

ictrire and cce*cent made in egtf lav-* 



88 INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 

The insect is single-brooded. The egg-laying begins about the 
middle of May and is continued by succeeding individuals for 
about two months. The insects mostly pass the winter in the 
beetle stage, a few, however, entering the ground so late that they 
hibernate as larvse. The damage to the fruit is caused almost 
wholly by the larvie, although both male and female beetles feed 
upon the fruit. 

Besides the plum, this curculio attacks the peach, nectarine, 
apricot, apple, pear, and cherry, but not to the alarming extent 
as in the case of the plum. 

Remedies. — The most effectual and practical remedy is one 
based on the observation of a peculiar habit of the plum weevil, 
namely, that of its folding up its legs, feigning death, and dropping 
when slightly jarred. What is necessary, then, is to jar the in- 
fested trees, having provided means for catching the beetles as 
they fall from the branches and fruit. A sheet may be spread 
under the tree, and the trees jarred by hand, if small; if large, 
by cutting off a branch, leaving a stump several inches long, and 
striking the end of this stump with a mallet. 

Doctor Hull's "curculio catcher" is an excellent contrivance 
for using the jarring method. "If consists of a wheelbarrow on 
which is mounted a large, inverted umbrella, split in front to re- 
ceive the trunk of a tree, against which the machine, which is 
provided with a padded bumper, is driven with force sufficient 
to jar the curculios down into the umbrella, where they are col- 
lected and destroyed." 

Spraying with Paris green (three ounces to 50 gallons of 
water, see p. 7) three or four times, at intervals of a week, begin- 
ning as soon as the blossoms have fallen, may be successfully used. 

Hens with their broods will do good work in an infested plum 
orchard. Hogs turned into the orchard will devour much of the 
infested fallen fruit. 

Kansas Notes. — The Plum Curculio has practically prevented 
all plum growing in Kansas. Mr. G. C. Brackett refers to its 
presence in Kansas in 1873 (see Transactions State Horticultural 
Society 1873, p. 117). 



INSECTS ATTACKING LARGE FRUITS. 89 



PLUM GOUGBR. 
(Coccotoy^us scutellaris Lee; Order, Coleoptera.j 

Diagnosis. — Much as for Plum Curculio ; differing in this, that 
there is no crescent-shaped split in the hanging or fallen plum, 
and that the grub within the fallen plum will be found within the 
kernel (rarely so with Conotrachelus). Plums attacked by the 
gouger become gummy and diseased, but do not so readily drop 
to the ground as when attacked by Conotrachelus. 

Description and Life-history. — The adult gouger is a "snout- 
beetle " about one- fourth of an inch long, yellowish in color (es- 
pecially on thorax and legs), and without humps on the back, as 
with Conotrachelus. It appears about the 
same time as Conotrachelus, and deposits its 
eggs in the young fruit. A small, round hole 
is made, instead of a crescent- shaped slit. 
The young larva soon hatches, and burrows 
straight for the kernel, through the soft 
shell of which it penetrates, and feeds upon 
the contents until full-grown. "The larva fig. 49. plum gouger. 
is of a milk-white color, with a large, horny, 
yellowish-white head, and jaws tipped with brown." The pupal 
stage is passed within the plum stone, from which the mature 
beetle escapes in August or September. "While the normal 
habit of the Plum Curculio is to feed on the flesh outside the plum 
stone, which latter it only occasionally penetrates, the Plum Gouger 
lives and matures within." The insect hibernates in the adult or 
beetle stage. 

Remedies. — Jarring in the manner prescribed for the Plum 
Curculio is pretty effective ; these beetles do not drop so readily, 
however, as the curculios. The goagers also take wing more 
readily, and thus may escape. In fact, this pest is decidedly more 
difficult to deal with than the other, but it is rarely as numerous, 
and is by no means so widely spread. 

Kansas Notes. — "The Plum Gouger seems to be unknown in 
the Eastern States, or, at least, is not common there; but it is 
very generally distributed throughout the valley of the Missis- 
sippi" (Riley). 




9(> INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 



CHERRY APHIS. 

(Myzus cerati Fabr.; Order, Hemiptera.) 

Diagnosis. — Twigs and under surface of leaves of the cherry 
spotted or covered with great numbers in groups of minute, shin- 
ing, black insects. Leaves wilt; growth of tree is stunted. 

Description and Life- history. — This pest is one of the plant-lice 
or aphids, minute, soft-bodied, most of the individuals wingless, 
sucking insects. (For general appearance, see Figs. 10 and 11.) 
It passes the winter in the egg state, on the cherry twigs; early 
in spring the young aphids, hatching, gather on the bursting buds 
and begin sucking the juice from the unfolding leaves. In a week 
or 10 days the plant-lice are mature, and begin giving birth to 
young, which, in turn, are soon fully developed. The plant-lice 
increase in numbers with marvelous rapidity, and if not checked 
by the attacks of many natural enemies would soon overrun . all 
vegetation. The young are born alive, except in the case of the 
first brood of the year, which issue from eggs laid by the last 
brood of the preceding year. This last fall brood is composed of 
winged individuals, most of the other broods being wingless. 

Remedies. — The natural enemies of the plant-lice, including 
lady-birds and their larvse, parasitic two- and four-winged flies, 
etc., are usually sufficient to keep the aphids in check. 

Kerosene emulsion (see p. 9) sprayed on the lice is the most 
effective artificial remedy. As the lice live by sucking, poisoning 
the foliage is unavailing. The insecticide must be something 
which will destroy the insects by actual contact. Strong soap- 
suds or tobacco water are recommended. 

Kansas Notes. — The Cherry Aphis is perhaps not a formidable 
insect enemy to orchardists of this State, yet it undoubtedly does 
some annual damage in stunting the spring growth of young trees. 

I have seen young cherry trees with large portions of their fresh 
leaves and tender shoots fairly covered and blackened by these 
insects. 



INSECTS ATTACKING LARGE FRUITS. 



91 



PEACH-TREE BORER. 

{Mgeria exitiosa Say; Order, Lepidoptera.) 

Diagnosis, — Attacking the peach; the tree, badly attacked, 
giving indications of approaching death ; at the base of the trunk,, 
next to the ground and just below it, and on the large roots (ex- 
amined by uncovering them), gummy exudations mingled with 
wood dust. On cutting into the root, following one of these 
gummy burrows, a naked, soft, pale whitish-yellow, sixteen-footed 
grub about one-half inch long is found. 

Description and Life-history: — The adult insect is a beautiful, 
clear- winged, day-flying moth, with glossy, steel-blue body, crossed 
by a broad band of orange-yellow. The wings expand about li 
inches. 

The eggs are laid on the bark of the tree, at the surface of the 

ground, during the sum- 
mer. The larvae, soon 
hatching, burrow in and 
down to the inner bark 
and sap-wood of the lar- 
ger roots, upon which 
2. w they feed. Their bur- 

Fig. 50. Peach-tree Borer: 1, female; 2, male. I'Owillg Causes a profllSe 

exudation of gum, 
which, mixed with the wood dust, produces a noticeable mass 
around the roots of the tree. 

The larva, when full-grown, is fully half an inch long, soft, 
cylindrical, pale whitish-yellow, with horny, reddish head and 
strong, black jaws. It has eight pairs of feet, and there are a 
few scattered hairs on the otherwise naked body. 

The larva? continue feeding for nearly a year, interrupted only 
by the winter months. When ready to pupate, the larva crawls 
upward nearly to the surface of the ground and builds a tight 
case of silk, gum, and its own castings, within which it pupates. 
The pupal state lasts about three weeks. The moth then issues, 
and the eggs are laid. The larva enters the pupal state in south- 
ern Kansas in April (see D. Doyle, Report Kansas State Horti- 
cultural Society, 1885, p. 12), and appears as an adult (the moth) 
in May and June. 




92 INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 

The larvae may be found of many different sizes at any one 
time. Although there is but one generation a year, the larvae 
mature at such different times that " they keep up a nearly con- 
stant supply of imagines." 

Remedies. — The most effective remedy is the cutting out of the 
larvae. Early in the spring the base of the trunk and the large 
roots should be uncovered and examined. The presence of the 
gummy exudations indicates the whereabouts of the burrows. 
The larvae should be dug out with a sharp knife. 

As a preventive remedy "mounding" is highly recommended. 
In spring before the moths emerge (April), dirt is thrown up 
around the tree about a foot high and pressed firmly about the 
trunk. The moths are thus prevented from laying their eggs at 
the base of the trunk. Some fruit-growers leave the mound, 
throwing up a little more earth each spring; others level off the 
ground in the fall after egg-laying has ceased. Before mounding, 
any larvae already present should be cut out. 

Copious applications of hot water to the base of the tree and 
roots (the covering earth having been removed ) are usually effect- 
ual in destroying eggs or larvae. 

The bases of the trunks may be protected by covering with 
straw, as follows : " Scrape the earth away from the collar, place 
a handful of straight straw erect around the trunk, fastening it 
with twine ; then return the soil, which will keep the ends of the 
straw in their places. The straw should entirely cover the bark, 
and the twine be loosed as the trunk increases in size." 

Kansas Notes. — The pest is an American insect, unknown on 
the peach trees of other countries. It has been recognized in 
Kansas at least since 1873 (see E. A. Popenoe, Transactions Kan- 
sas State Horticultural Society 1873, p. 123). 



OTHER INSECTS ATTACKING LARGE FRUITS. 

Rocky Mountain Locust. 

Injurious Grasshoppers. 

White-marked Tussock-moth — the apple. 

Walnut Moth. 

Bag-worm. 



INSECTS ATTACKING SMALL FRUITS. 



RASPBERRY SLUG. 
(Selandria rubi Harris; Order, Hymenoptera.) 

Diagnosis. — Infesting raspberries ; dark-green, slug-like larvae, 
about three-fourths of an inch long, feeding on the leaves, mostly 
during May ; the coarse veins of the leaves are not eaten. 

Description and Life- history. — The adult insect is a four-winged 
saw-fly, with transparent wings expanding about one-half of an 
inch. The veins of the wings are black. The front part of the 
body is black, the abdomen dark reddish. The adults appear soon 
after the young leaves are put forth, and insert their eggs beneath 
the skin of the raspberry leaf near the ribs and veins. The newly- 
hatched larva is small and w T hitish ; as 
it grows older and larger it becomes 
green; the full-grown larva, or "slug," 
is from five-eighths to three-fourths of 
an inch long, dark green, with slightly 
yellowish tinge on the last two seg- 
ments. A narrow, dark-green, longi- 
tudinal, dorsal line extends from the 
head to the last segment of the body. 
The head is bright, shining green. The 
body bears many small, branched 
spines, in length about one-fourth the 
diameter of the slug. It has 11 pairs of legs. 

The larva is full-grown about June 1, and enters the ground, 
where it constructs a thin, tough cocoon of particles of earth fast- 
ened together by a sticky substance secreted by the larva. In 
this cocoon the larva quietly remains unchanged through the fall 
and winter, pupating in early spring, and emerging as the adult 
saw-fly about the middle of April. 

Remedies. — Hand-picking is effective. White hellebore used 
as a powder (see p. 10) and dusted on the vines, or mixed with 

(93) 




Fig. 51. Kaspbeeky Slug; 
a, larva: b, joints of larva, en- 
larged, to show arrangement 
of spiny hairs. 



94 INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 

water — one ounce to two gallons of water — and sprayed on, i> a 
successful remedy. 

Kansas Notes. — In the crop report bulletin of the Kansas State- 
Board of Agriculture for May, 1883, Prof. F. H. Snow treats of 
the pest. He says: "In the past three seasons I have noted the 
ravages of the larva of this insect upon" the foliage of my nek 
bors' vines during the month of May. In some cases the num- 
ber of worms were so great as to require constant watchfulness in 
order to prevent the entire defoliation of the vines." 



STRAWBE 3,RY LEAF-ROLLER. 
(Phoxopteris comptana FroeL; Order, Lepidoptera.) 

Diagnosis. — Attacking the strawberry; the leaves folded ; their 
edges fastened together by silken cords, or the leaves crumpled 
and rolled into sub-cylindrical cases. Concealed in the fold, and 
feeding on the leaf in June, a small, brownish caterpillar, less than 
one-half an inch long, or a small chrysalis within the fold. 

Attacking, also, the raspberry. 

Description and Life-history. — The adult is a small, reddish- 
brown moth; expanse of wings about one-half an inch. The in- 




Fig. 52. Stbawbekry Leaf-rollek; a. larva; fr, back of front segments of larva, to 
show arrangement of hair-bearing tubercles; d, back of last segment of larva; c, adult. 

sect is two-brooded in this latitude. The eggs for the first brood 
are laid in May, and the larvse attain full development in June. 
About July 1 the bulk of the first-brood individuals are in chrys- 
alis (they pupate within the folds of the leaves), and the adults 
soon appear. The eggs are soon laid, and by September 1 the 
voracious larvae are capable of doing much damage. In the mid- 
dle or latter part of this month the larvae of this second brood 
are ready to pupate. They pass the winter in the pupal stage, 
the moths emerging the following spring. 



INSECTS ATTACKING SMALL FRUITS. 95 

The full-grown larva, which feeds upon the substance of the 
leaves, is from one-third to one-half an inch long, " and varies in 
color from yellowish-brown to green. The head is yellowish and 
horny with a dark, eye-like spot on each side. The second seg- 
ment of the body has a shield above, colored and polished like 
the head, and on every segment there are a few pale dots, from 
each of which arises a single hair." The infested leaves look dry 
and scorched. 

Remedies. — Because the larvae are so effectively concealed in 
the folded leaves, spraying with arsenical mixtures is of little use. 
In new beds, where the plants are few in a row, the plants should 
be gone over carefully and the pests picked off and destroyed. In 
old beds the plants should be mowed off close to the ground while 
the insects of the first brood are in the pupal stage, i. e. t about July 
1, and, after they have dried for a day or two, the patch should be 
burned over. This practice does not materially injure the roots 
of the plants, as they will immediately send out new sprouts. In 
the case of beds that are three or four years old, the best method 
is to plow them under and plant new ones. Avoid using plants 
from infested districts. 

Kansas Notes. — The Strawberry Leaf-roller was first noticed in 
Kansas as an insect pest in 1880; it was noticeable also in 1881. 
In 1889 it was especially abundant. The pest is an imported 
one, and came to this country from Europe. 



OTHER INSECTS ATTACKING SMALL, FRUITS. 

Rocky Mountain Locust. 
Injurious Grasshoppers. 
Tarnished Plant-bug. 



INSECTS ATTACKING SHADE-TREES. 



WHITJE-MARKED TUSSOCK MOTH. 
{Orgyia leucostigma Sm. and Abb.; Order, Lepidoptera.J 

Diagnosis. — la late spring, and through the summer, handsome, 
hairy caterpillars about 1 inch to 1} inches long, bright yellow, 
with bright red head, four cream-colored, brush-like tufts of hair 
on back, two rather long, black pencils of hair projecting forward 
from head end of body, and one black pencil projecting upward 
and backward from tail of body; feeding on maple, elm and 
other trees, and very noticeable crawling on sidewalks and fences 
close to shade-trees. All through the year cocoons on the trunks 
of trees, and on fences, walls of buildings, etc., near trees. Masses 
of eggs in brittle, shining, white substance fastened to bark or on 
cocoons. 

Description and Life-history. — The adult insect is a moth ; the 
female wingless, light gray, the oblong-oval body filled with eggs, 
and the moth usually found clinging to the outside of a cocoon ; 




Fig. 53. White-marked Tussock Moth: larva. 

the male is winged, the wings expanding about H inches, ashen- 
gray in color, with dark, wavy bands across the wings, and with 
beautifully feathered feelers or antennae. 

The insect passes the winter in the egg. The eggs are laid in 
masses, the eggs of each mass being held together and covered by 
a white, brittle, frothy-looking substance. The egg masses are 
rather conspicuous objects on tree trunks during the winter. In 
May and June the young larvae appear, and begin eating the foli- 
age of shade-trees. They are conspicuous because of their bright 
colors and striking bunches of hairs (see description of larva in 
Diagnosis). By the middle of July the larva? are mostly full- 

(96) 



INSECTS ATTACKING SHADE-TREES. 97 

grown, and spin silken cocoons, fastened to tree trunks, or to 
fences, walls of buildings, etc., near the trees. In these cocoons 
they pupate, and the adults soon appear. The adults of this 
brood are almost all out by August 1, at Lawrence. Eggs are 
soon laid, the females, on emerging from the cocoon, crawling 
upon its surface, and clinging there until the eggs are laid. They 
then die, and their withered bodies are often to be seen hanging 
on the cocoon. The eggs soon hatch, and before winter the brood 
has gone through its transformations and the eggs are laid, which 
pass through the winter, hatching the next May. 

Remedies. — There are so many natural enemies of this pest, that 
it has much difficulty in maintaining its ground. Almost, if not 
quite, a dozen insect parasites have been found infesting it. In 
Lawrence, I have bred three ichneumon parasites from pupae of 
this insect. 

When it does become locally destructive, the egg masses should 
be picked off the tree trunks and fences in winter and destroyed. 

Spraying infested trees with arsenicals (see p. 7) while the larvae 
are young is effective. 

Kansas Notes. — The White-marked Tussock Moth is well known 
in Kansas towns. However, it is noticeable that the large prom- 
ise given by the first brood as to a probably overwhelming num- 
ber of individuals of the second brood is rarely fulfilled, owing to 
the destructive work of the many parasites. From my notes on the 
occurrence of this pest in Lawrence last year, I quote as follows : 

February 2. — Egg masses abundant on maples about town. 

June 28. — Larvae numerous: crawling on tree trunks, sidewalks, and 
fences; about one-half to three-fourths inch long. 

July 15. — Very few larvae now, most of them having spun cocoons 
and pupated. Many imagines have already emerged; and some eggs are 
laid. Noted several cocoons containing hymenopterous larvae, para- 
sitic. The cocoons are remarkably abundant on maple trees and in 
their vicinity. Fifty cocoons to a tree, on the lower 10 feet of trunk, 
is an average for an infested tree. Abundant along fences, on sides of 
houses and barns. 

July 23. — The cocoons are badly infested by parasites. Most of the 
cocoons have given up the imagines and the females have laid their eggs, 
but the number of imagines is remarkably less than the number of co- 
coons spun up by the caterpillars. 

The second brood of caterpillars was comparatively insignifi- 
cant, owing to the effectiveness of the parasites. 

—7 



98 



INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 






WALNUT MOTH. 
(Datana angusii G. & R.; Order, Lepidoptera.) 

Diagnosis. — Infesting walnut and hickory; large, blackish cat- 
erpillars, feeding on the leaves; often large numbers, moulting., 
gathered in a mass or ball on the trunk or on large limbs ; when 
feeding, remaining close together and entirely defoliating portions 
of the tree, often whole trees. 

Description and Life- history. — The adult is a light-brown moth,. 
with chestnut-brown head. There are several transverse, brown 
lines on the fore wings; the hind wings pale yellowish, unmarked. 
Expanse of wings about two inches. 

The insect hibernates in the pupal stage in the ground. The 
moths emerge in June, and lay their eggs on the under surface of 
ths walnut leaves. The larvse, after hatching, keep together and 




Fig. 54. Yellow-necked Apple-tree Caterpillar (Datana ministra), closely allied 
to, and greatly resembling, the Walnut Moth [Datana angusii): a, larva: b, moth; 
c, eggs; d, an egg, greatly enlarged. 

feed voraciously. They rapidly defoliate branches, and attract 
attention in this way. When ready to moult, they migrate in a 
body to some spot on the tree trunk, or on some large limb, and 
remain there in a solid, wriggling mass, until the skins have been 
cast. Returning to the leaves, they continue feeding. When 
full-grown, which they become in about five weeks, the caterpil- 
lar is entirely black, with scattering, long, whitish, wooly hairs 
over the body. When younger the color is rather wine-red. The 
larvse descend from the tree at about the same time, and enter 
the ground, where they transform into naked, brown chrysalids. 
The moths emerge the following May or June. 

Remedies. - Spraying the trees with London purple (see p. 8 ) 



INSECTS ATTACKING SHADE-TREES. 99 

or Paris green (see p. 7) while the caterpillars are young is effect- 
ive ; but it is as effective, and far easier, to capture the caterpillars 
when they come together to moult. The great, wriggling mass 
may be burned or crushed. 

There are several parasitic flies which have the caterpillar at 
their mercy. I have watched a Tachinid fly industriously en- 
gaged in sealing the doom of many of the black larvae 

This pest does not seem to be able to maintain itself in large 
numbers for several successive seasons. In fact, it is the excep- 
tion to find it destructive in one locality for two successive sea- 
sons, Its very abundance the first season seems to give such 
numerical strength to its parasites as to practically exterminate it 
for the time being in that spot. 

Kansas Notes. — In the Second Quarterly Report of the Kansas 
State Board of Agriculture for 1883 (December 31), Prof. F. H. 
Snow says that the Walnut Moth, " a hitherto almost unknown 
species of destructive caterpillar," appeared in large numbers in 
the month of August, 1883. 

It was rather abundant in Lawrence in the summer of 1890, 
when it defoliated many walnut trees. It was hardly noticeable 
about the same trees in 1891. 



BOX-ELDER BUG. 

(Leptocoris trivittatus Say; Order, Hemiptera.) 

Diagnosis. — Attacking the box-elder; a dull-black bug, about 
one-half inch long, with orange-red markings in lines ; in large 
numbers on trunks of box-elder and other trees, or on sides of 
buildings. In winter the bugs frequent houses, and many appear 
in sunny places on warm days. 

Attacking also ash, maple, and other shade-trees. 

Description and Life-history. — The insect is a true sucking 
bug, getting its food by sucking the juice from plant foliage. It 
passes through the winter in the adult stage, the bugs seeking 
sheltered crevices and corners in stone walls, buildings, etc. In 
early spring they scatter to the trees, and lay their eggs in crevices 
in the bark and on the twigs. The young are soon hatched, and 
resemble the adults in general shape, but are of a nearly uniform 




100 INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 

red color. As they grow older, brownish and blackish colors be- 
gin to appear. The adult is thus described by Professor Popenoe : 

Body about nine-sixteenths 
of an inch long, elongate-oval 
in outline, black, with red 
marks, to wit: Above, a me- 
dian line and the lateral mar- 
gins of the thorax, the anterior 
portion of the outside edges 
of the upper wings, and an 
oblique line separating the 
thicker, basal portion from 
the membranous terminal 
portion of each, red; below, 
Fig. 55. Box-elder Bug; a, adult; &, young. t ^ ree broad lines on the abdo- 
men, two lateral and one me- 
dian, and the globular basal joint of each leg, red; eyes brownish-red; 
antennae slender, slightly thicker at tip, black; legs slender and, except 
the red basal joint, black. 

The insects are harmless when swarming about the house in 
winter time, so far as attacking household effects goes. They have 
no jaws, and can only suck. However, they are disgusting and 
repulsive to the housewife, and are most unwelcome visitors. 

Remedies. — When the bugs are assembled in large numbers, 
crushing or brushing into boiling water may be employed. Or 
kerosene (see p. 9), either pure or as an emulsion, may be applied 
by spraying or dashing with a broom. They cannot be killed by 
spraying the foliage with arsenicals, as they obtain their food 
from beneath the surface of the leaf. 

^Kansas Notes. — The life-history of this pest has been made 
known by the studies of Prof. E. A. Popenoe, of the State Agri- 
cultural College, at Manhattan. In the First Annual Report of 
the Kansas Experiment Station of the State Agricultural Col- 
lege, for the year 1888, Professor Popenoe ( pp. 220-225) discusses 
the pest, and from this paper most of the foregoing notes have 
been taken. 

In the Third Biennial Report of the State Board of Agricult- 
ure (1881-'82 ), Professor Popenoe refers briefly to the pest. The 
bug has been known at Manhattan as a tree pest since 1878. 
It may be seen in any part of the State now. 



INSECTS ATTACKING SHADE-TREES. 



101 




GRE E N- STRIPED M A.PLE -WORM. 

(Anisota rubicunda Fabr.; Order, Lepidoptera.) 

Diagnosis. — Attacking the maple; a naked caterpillar, about 
1? inches long, pale yellowish-green, longitudinally striped with 
lighter and darker green lines, two small, black horns on body 
behind the head; noticeable on the sidewalks. 

Description and Life-history. — The adult insect is a beautiful, 
rosy- white moth, with wings expanding from H to 2 inches. 
The eggs are laid in groups of 30 or more, on the under side 
of maple leaves, about the last of May. The larvae or worms 
immediately on hatching be- 
gin their attacks on the ma- 
ple's foliage, and feed about 
one month before becoming 
full-grown. They descend into 
the ground to pupate, and 
the adults appear in from 10 
to 14 days. The insect is two- 
brooded, the first brood of 
worms appearing mostly in 
June, and the second late in 
July and early in August. 
The worms of the second brood 
are much more abundant than 
those of the first, and, conse- 
quently, the second brood is much more destructive. The larvae 
enter the ground and pupate about September 1st. The chrysa- 
lids of this brood pass the winter in the ground, the moths emerg- 
ing the following May. 

Remedies. — Several insect parasites attack the Maple-worm, 
much to the advantage of the maple tree. . Several species of 
birds eagerly devour them also. 

Spraying with London purple (see p. 8) or Paris green (see 
p. 7) early in the season, soon after the worms appear, will prove 
effective. 

The worms when about to leave the trees may also be entrapped by 
digging a trench either around the individual tree or around a grove or 
belt. The trench should be at least a foot deep, with the outer wall 




Fig. 56. 



Green-striped Maple-wosm; 
a, adult; b, larva. 



102 INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 

slanting under. Great numbers of worms will collect in it, or bury 
themselves in its bottom, and may easily be killed. 

Prof. F. H. Snow, in the Second Quarterly Report for 1883 
( December), State Board of Agriculture, recommends the follow- 
ing remedial measures : 

There are four opportunities presented in the life of each brood for 
the destruction of the species: The first is when the moths have just 
emerged from the chrysalis at the surface of the ground, and are help- 
lessly crawling to some suitable spot for the drying of their slowly- 
expanding wings. They may easily be destroyed in this condition, and 
may be found in the greatest numbers between sundown and dark. 
The second opportunity is after the eggs have been deposited upon the 
lower surface of the leaves. The egg clusters may be detected and re- 
moved as already pointed out. The third opportunity is during the 
first week or 10 days of the little caterpillars' lives, before they have 
left the single leaf upon which the eggs were deposited. A whole col- 
ony may be removed by detaching the leaf. The fourth opportunity is 
when the caterpillars have reached their full growth, and are coming 
down the trunks of the trees to enter the ground for pupation. By im- 
proving these four opportunities for the destruction of the first brood, 
the second brood will require but little time and effort for its extinc- 
tion, since but few individuals of the first brood will have escaped to 
become the parents of the second. 

Kansas Notes. — Dr. Riley ( Fifth Annual Report State Ento- 
mologist of Missouri, for 1872) records (p. 137 et seq.) the pres- 
ence of this maple pest in Kansas. A correspondent in Franklin 
county (date, June 24, 1872) writes that he first observed the 
worms in his vicinity in 1870. He says: 

. . . There were not a great many that year [1870], but last year 
[1871] they came in increased numbers, so that many trees were eaten 
bare, there not being a single leaf left. This year they are appearing 
by the million on the trees in my yard, and in fact on all the soft 
maples in this vicinity. 

Dr. Riley says : 

Anyone traveling through Kansas last fall [1872] must have been 
struck with the absolutely naked appearance of the soft maples, which 
are very extensively used, and highly prized for ornament and shade, 
and may be found in every thrifty town. 

Mr. G. C. Brackett, in the Transactions State Horticultural 

Society for 1873, refers to the Maple-worm as follows: 

Thousands of trees during the past summer, in my section, orna- 
menting the roads, skirting our farms, adorning our door-yards, were 



INSECTS ATTACKING SHADE-TREES. 103 

completely stripped of every leaf; and what is most to be feared (as 
has been reported in other States) is, that as their numbers become so 
great that, having devoured the leaves on the maples, they will begin 
upon our orchards and other varieties of trees. 

In 1874 the ravages of the pest were more extended, and in 
1875, according to Professor Snow (Second Quarterly Report for 
1883, State Board of Agriculture), nearly every maple in the city 
of Lawrence was entirely deprived of its foliage by the second 
brood of caterpillars, before the end of August. Continuing, 
Professor Snow says : 

This same condition of affairs existed in nearly every town of east- 
ern Kansas. It was hoped that after a year or two this insect, as is the 
habit of the species in the Eastern States, would disappear from notice. 
But it has continued its depredations for 11 continuous seasons with 
varying pertinacity, but in every year to such an extent as to produce ' 
complete defoliation of the maples in many localities. 

Professor Snow noted the following birds feeding upon the 
worms: Robin, blue-bird, tufted titmouse, yellow-billed cuckoo, 
red-headed woodpecker, red-eyed vireo, and crow black-bird. 



BAG -WORM. 

(Thyridopteryx ephemerceformis Haworth; Order, Lepidoptera.) 

Diagnosis. — Attacking evergreen trees; caterpillars inclosed 
in cases or bags, with head and front body with six legs project- 
ing; feeding on various trees, especially evergreens. The cases 
^are silken, and covered with bits of leaves or twigs or pine nee- 
dles. In winter the cases, bags or baskets hang in the trees and 
contain eggs. 

Attacking, also, various deciduous trees, as the elm, maple, lo- 
cust, apple, pear, plum, cherry, peach, and quince. 

Description and Life-history. — The adult insect is a moth, the 
female wingless, the male with four transparent wings, body black. 
The larvse hatch in May and June, from eggs which have passed 
the winter in hanging cases. The young larvae immediately make 
coverings of silk, the bags, for themselves, which they enlarge as 
their bodies grow. The silken cases are covered without with bits 
of leaves or twigs, rendering them hard to distinguish from the 



104 



INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 



foliage of the tree. When the larva is feeding or traveling, the 
head and front end of the body, with the six legs, project from, 
the bag. The projecting part of the body of the larva is rather 
horny, and is mottled with black and white; that part of the 
body within the bag is soft, and dull, brownish-red. 





Fig. 57. Bag-worm; a, case cut open, containing eggs; b, larva in case: e, larva. 

When ready to pupate, the larva fastens the bag securely to> 
some limb and changes within the case. The female moth on 
hatching does not leave the bag, but awaits the male near the en- 
trance to the case. She lays her eggs within the bag, and them 
drops out of it to the ground and dies. The eggs hatch the fol- 
lowing year. 

The injury to the foliage is done, of course, by the larva while 
feeding. The pest appears to prefer coniferous to deciduous trees.. 

Remedies. — There are several parasitic insects which do muck 
to keep the Bag-worm in check. 

Gathering the cases, which contain the eggs, in winter is a sure 
remedy. 

Spraying the foliage of infested trees with London purple (see 
p. 8) or Paris green (see p. 7) in the early summer, while the 
worms are young, will be effective. 

As the female is wingless, the spread of this pest is slow ; and 

if one rids his premises of the insect, he will not have all his 

labor brought to naught by the indifference of some neighbor, as 

can more easily happen in the case of other insect pests. 

^Kansas Notes. — The Bag- worm has been known for several 



INSECTS ATTACKING SHADE-TREES. 105 

years as a shade-tree pest ; it has not occurred in alarming num- 
bers at any time, however, and its occurrence is largely local in 
character. 

A correspondent in Sedgwick county reported that in August, 
1891, he gathered at least a half-bushel of bags from a single 
tree, an Irish juniper. 



OTHER INSECTS ATTACKING SHADE-TREES. 

Eocky Mountain Locust. 
Injurious Grasshoppers. 
Fall Web-worm. 



INSECTS ATTACKING FLOWERS. 



RED SPIDER. 

(Tetranychus telarius Linn.; Order, Acarina.) 

Diagnosis. — A minute, red mite on lower surface of leaves of 
house plants, spinning fine webs; the leaves turning yellow, with- 
ering, and falling off. 

Description and Life-history. — The " Red Spider" is not a spider, 

but a mite, belonging to the same insect order as the flour and 
cheese mites (which are white instead of red). 
Under a microscope, (for the Red Spider is so 
small as to appear to the naked eye merely as 
a fine, red speck,) the little pest will be seen to 
have four pairs of legs, and to have mouth-parts 
fitted for piercing and sucking. The mite in- 
serts its tiny beak into the leaf and sucks the life 
juices from the plant. The mites are usually 
in small colonies, under a fine, transparent web. 
greatly enlarged. ' Remedies.— The Red Spider does not like a 

damp atmosphere ; if the plants are well watered daily, our little 

pest will be seriously discouraged. 

Spraying the plants with soap-suds, tobacco water, or kerosene 

emulsion (see p. 9), the last being best of all, will effectually keep 

the Red Spider down. 

Kansas Notes. — Kansas housewives have been troubled by this 
pest whenever and wherever they have attempted to beautify their 
homes with the presence of flowers. 




ROSE SLUG. 

(Selandria rosce Harr. ; Order, Hymenoptera.) 

Diagnosis. — A soft, greenish or yellowish, slug-like worm, about 

one-half an inch long, eating large, irregular patches in the upper 

surface of rose leaves ; the leaves appear as if scorched, and drop off. 

(106) 



INSECTS ATTACKING FLOWERS. 107 

Description and Life-history. — (For illustration see Fig. 51, 
which shows the Kaspberry Slug, a closely-allied form.) The 
adult insect is a four-winged fly, belonging to the family of saw- 
flies, in the same order with the ants, bees, and wasps. Its wings 
are transparent, and expand about one-half of an inch. The 
body is blackish. 

The eggs are laid under the skin of the rose leaf (the saw-flies 
are so named because the females have a peculiar, saw-like, egg- 
laying apparatus, by means of which the eggs are laid in small 
incisions in the food-plant), and the larvae, or young slugs, hatch 
in about two weeks. 

The larvae are not full-grown until about three weeks have 
passed, during which time they feed voraciously on the leaves. 
The slug has a small, yellowish head, with a black dot on each 
side of it, and has 11 pairs of short legs. When young, the 
body is semi-transparent and green ; when older, the body is more 
opaque and has a yellowish color. The skin of the back is wrink- 
led, and covered with minute points. In feeding, they do not 
eat entirely through the leaf, but leave the veins and lower skin 
intact, eating only the upper surface. The leaves are, of course, 
killed, and a badly-infested rose-bush appears as if scorched by 
fire. The feeding is done mostly by night and on dark days ; at 
other times the slugs rest on the under side of the leaves. 

When the larvae are full-grown they drop to the ground, dig 
into it, and pupate within a silk-lined cell. They emerge as 
adults the following spring. 

Remedies. — White hellebore (see p. 10) or pyrethrum (see p. 9) 
may be dusted on the leaves, or may be sprayed on. Use two 
tablespoonfuls of white hellebore to a bucket of water. If the 
insecticides are to be dusted on, choose a time when the leaves are 
damp with dew. 

Mr. Garman, entomologist at the Kentucky State College, has 
used London purple (see p. 8) and Paris green (see p. 7) with 
good effect. He used one pound of the dry poison to 100 gallons of 
water. These poisons cannot be sprayed on the bushes after the 
flower-buds unfold without destroying the petals. 

Kansas Notes. — This pest is well known in rose gardens through- 
out the State. 



NOXIOUS INSECTS OF THE HOUSEHOLD. 



COCKROACHES. 

(Periplaneta orientalis Linn, and Blatta germanica Stephens; Order. 

Orthoptera.) 

Diagnosis. — Black, flattened, soft-bodied insects, in damp i)laces 
about the home ; in the kitchen and laundry especially. 

Description and Life-history. — The common Cockroaches of the 
house are imported species, being natives of Asia and Europe. 

When full-grown, they are about two- 
thirds of an inch long. The eggs are 
laid in small packets, and the young 
roaches resemble the adults, except 
that they are smaller and lighter in 
color. The roaches attack provisions 
of all kinds; are almost omnivorous, 
in fact. They feed at night, retiring 
during the day-time into crevices and 
corners. 

Remedies. — Pyrethrum (see p. 9) 
can be used against these pests with 
good effect. Dr. Riley says : 




Fig. 59. 



Cockroach (Blatta ger- 
manica. ) 



Just before nightfall, go into the in- 
fested rooms and puff it into all crev- 
ices, under base boards, into drawers 
and cracks of old furniture — in fact, 
wherever there is a crack — and in the morning the floor will be cov- 
ered with dead and dying, or demoralized and paralyzed, roaches, which 
may easily be swept up or otherwise collected and burned. With clean- 
liness, and persistency in these methods, the pest may be substantially 
driven out of the house, and should never be allowed to get full posses- 
sion by immigrants from without. 

Kansas Notes. — Common, and often seriously troublesome, 

throughout the State. 

(108) 



NOXIOUS INSECTS OF THE HOUSEHOLD. 



109 



BUFFALO BEETLE. 

(Anthrenus scrophularice Linn.; Order, Coleoptera.) 

Diagnosis. — Small, dark-colored, hairy creatures, infesting car- 
pets ; hiding in cracks and crevices about the house ; known to 
housekeepers as "fish moths," "buffalo moths," etc. 

Description and Life-history. — The adult insect is a small beetle, 
not a moth, about a quarter of an inch long, black with white 
spots, and with an irregular red stripe along the back. The beetles 
begin to appear in 'the fall, and continue to appear through the 
winter and spring. The beetles may often be seen in the win- 
dows. They fly out-of-doors, and are found on flowers of the 
orders Composite and Scrophulariacese. 

The eggs are laid soon after the appearance of the beetles, proba- 
bly upon the carpets. The eggs are soon hatched, and the destruct- 
ive larvae begin to feed upon the carpets, stored woolen goods, 




Fig. 60. Buffalo Beetle; a, adult beetle (natural length about one-fourth inch); &, 

pupa; c, larva. 



or furs. They moult several times (the cast skins may often be 
found), and when full-grown the larva seeks a sheltered place 
and transforms into the quiescent pupa, which later becomes the 
perfect beetle. 

It is in the larval state, of course, that the damage to the car- 
pets is done. The full-grown larva is about one-third of an inch 
in length. It "is brown in color, and clothed with stiff, brown 
hairs, which are longer around the sides than on the back, and 
still longer at the extremities. Both at sides and extremities they 
form tufts, the hinder end being furnished with three tufts of long 
hair, and the head with a dense bunch of shorter hair." 



110 INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 

Remedies. — Rugs which are often taken up and shaken do not 
offer suitable dwelling-places for the pest. When carpets are 
used, and only taken up once a year, the Buffalo Beetle finds a 
secure haven, and rejoices accordingly. 

At house-cleaning time, carpets should be removed at the same 
time from as many rooms as possible, the rooms thoroughly 
cleaned, and benzine carefully puffed with a hand-atomizer into 
all cracks and crevices in the floor; particular attention should 
be given the base boards. In addition, it would be advisable to 
fill the floor cracks with a mixture of plaster of Paris and water, 
which, on setting, will leave no convenient homes of refuge for the 
pest. Around the borders of the room a width of tarred paper 
should be laid, and the carpets, which should have been thor- 
oughly beaten, lightly sprayed with benzine, and aired, then relaid. 

Dr. Riley says that in a room so cleaned the pest wdll probably 
be unable to gain a foot-hold during the ensuing year. 

Dr. Riley recommends, for times other than house cleaning, the 
laying of a damp cloth over suspected places in the carpet, and 
ironing it with a hot iron. The steam thus generated will pass 
through the carpet and kill all the insects immediately beneath. 
Hot water poured along the edges of the carpets is recommended. 

If the pests are in furniture or clothing, they may be killed by 
spraying with benzine or gasoline. Remember that these sub- 
stances are highly inflammable. 



CLOTHES-MOTH. 

(Tinea pellionella Linn.; Order, Lepidoptera.) 

Diagnosis. — A number of small, cylindrical rolls or cases, in 
each of which is a small, white, soft-bodied grub ( larva) ; feeding 
on woolens, hair-cloth, fur, or feathers. 

Description and Life-history. — The adult insect is a very small, 
light-brown moth, the wings expanding about one-third of an 
inch. They begin to appear in May, and are to be seen through 
the summer. The eggs are laid on garments hanging in closets 
and wardrobes, on stored furs, feathers, etc. The larvae, immedi- 
ately on hatching, make small, cylindrical rolls or cases from bits 
of the cloth or fur upon which they are feeding. The larva is 



NOXIOUS INSECTS OF THE HOUSEHOLD. 



Ill 



about three-sixteenths of an inch long, white, soft-bodied, with 
eight pairs of legs, and continues its destructive attacks during 
the summer and fall. Late in the fall it closes the ends of its 




c 



d 



Fig. 61. Clothes-moth; a, adult; b, case enclosing larva; c, pupa; d, larva. ( The 
natural lengths of larva and pupa approximate the line at the side of the &, the case. 

case, and lies torpid through the winter. In spring it pupates 
within the case, and issues as the adult moth in May or later. 
The insect in all of its stages is easily distinguished from the 
•'buffalo moth," which as an adult is a beetle, and which as a larva 
does not live within a case. 

Remedies. — Dr. Riley's suggestions for combating this house- 
hold pest are as follows : 

During the latter part of May, or early in June, a vigorous campaign 
should be entered upon. All carpets, cloth-covered furniture, furs and 
rugs should be thoroughly shaken and aired, and, if possible, exposed 
to sunlight as long as practicable. If the house is badly infested, or if 
any particular article is supposed to be badly infested, a free use of 
benzine, in the manner mentioned in my last article [as in case of 
Buffalo Beetle, see page 110], will be advisable. All floor cracks and 
dark closets should be sprayed with this substance. Too much pains 
cannot be taken to destroy every moth and every egg and every 
newly-hatched larva, for immunity for the rest of the year depends 
largely, almost entirely, upon the thoroughness with which the work 
of extermination is carried on at this time. The benzine spray will 
kill the insect in every stage, and it is one of the few substances 
which will destroy the egg. I would, however, repeat the caution as to 
its inflammability. No light should be brought into a room in which 
it has been used until after a thorough airing, and until the odor is al- 
most dissipated. 

The proper packing away of furs and winter clothing through the 
summer is a serious matter. A great deal of unnecessary expenditure 



112 INJURIOUS INSECTS OF KANSAS. 

in the way of cedar chests and cedar wardrobes, and various com- 
pounds in the way of powders, has been urged by writers on these pests. 
But experience fully proves that, after a thorough treatment in May or 
June, garments may be safely put away for the rest of the season with 
no other protection than wrapping them closely in stout paper, to pre- 
clude infection through some belated female. 

Cloth-covered furniture which is in constant use will not be harmed, 
and the same may be said of cloth-lined carriages. Where such furni- 
ture is stored away or kept unused in a dark room, or where the car- 
riages are left in a dark coach-house through the summer, at least two 
sprayings with benzine, say once in June and once about August 1st, 
will be advisable. Another plan which will act as a protection in such 
cases is to sponge the cloth linings and covers, on both sides where 
possible, with a dilute solution of corrosive sublimate in alcohol, made 
just strong enough not to leave a white mark on a black feather. 

Kansas Notes. — An imported pest, common all over the United 
States. 



ANTS. 

(Family, Formicidce; Order, Hymenoptera.) 

Diagnosis. — Ants in greater or lesser numbers infesting the house. 

Description and Life-history. — Ants are too familiar to require 
describing. They have strong jaws, which they use effectively. 
They belong to the so-called "social insects," and large numbers 
live together in one nest. The eggs and young are cared for by 
the adult workers. The young are helpless, footless grubs; in 
the pupal stage they are popularly known as "ant eggs," being 
inclosed at this time in little, white cases, which are frequently to 
be seen being carried about by the adults. Long lines of work- 
ers, extending from food-supply to nest, are often seen, the ants 
passing to and fro, and carrying particles of food to the nest. If 
many nests are established in a house, the foraging ants quite 
overrun the premises. 

Remedies. — The best remedies are those applied to the nests. 
By careful hunting, tracing up lines of ants, following food- 
carrying workers, etc., the nests may be found, and if they can 
then be reached, hot water, benzine (see p. 10) or bisulphide of 
carbon (see p. 10) may be applied, killing young and old. Care 
should be exercised in using inflammable substances, as benzine 
and bisulphide of carbon. 



APPENDIX. 



THE HORN FLY OF CATTLE. 

(Hcematobia serrata R.-Desv.; Order, Diptera.) 

This cattle pest has not yet made its way into Kansas * (at least, 
is so far unnoticed here,) but its appearance in Illinois this sum- 
mer, ( Dr. Williston, on August 25, received specimens from Mr. 
John Marten, Champaign, 111., Assistant State Entomologist,) 
and its steady migration westward, induces me to append here a 
brief account of its habits, etc. The Horn Fly in America has 
been studied independently by Prof. J. B. Smith, and by Mr. L. 0. 
Howard and Mr. C. L. Marlatt, of the division of entomology, 
United States Department of Agriculture, under the direction 
of Dr. C. V. Riley, chief of the division, and their observations 
have been recorded in Insect Life, vol. n, No. 4, (October, 1889,) 
pp. 93-103. From this account the following brief notes are 
chiefly taken. 

Diagnosis. — Attacking cattle; swarms of small, black flies in 
summer, gathered, when feeding, "over the back and flanks and 
on the legs" of cattle, sucking the blood. When resting, the 
flies, if abundant, cluster around the bases of the horns (whence 
the name). To distinguish the Horn Fly from other cattle-infesting 
flies, note the habit of clustering on the horns, and compare speci- 
mens with the description. See " Description and Life-history " 
to follow. 

Description and Life-history. — The fly is about one-sixth of 
an inch long, black, with brownish and grayish tinges. Wings 



* Since writing this (September), an article on "the Cow-horn My," by Prof. E. A. 
Popenoe, of the Kansas State Agricultural College, Manhattan, appeared in the Indus- 
trialist, October 8, in which the author states that the fly has appeared in Kansas. He 
ays: 

v So far as recorded, Manhattan is the westernmost point yet reached by this fly, and 
it has been noticed here only since the 19th of September last, when it was observed 
by Assistant Marlatt on milch cows a mile from the college. Since that date it has been 
found on various herds in this immediate vicinity, but is apparently yet restricted to a 
narrow area, herds a few miles away showing no evidence of its presence." 

A newspaper account of the appearance of a "small black fly " in "great numbers," 
infesting cattle about G-uthrie, 0. T., these flies gathering in clusters on the bases of 
the horns, leads me to suspect the presence of this pest among the cattle of the Indian 
Territory. 

—8 (113) 



114 APPENDIX. 

sub-transparent, with slightly blackish tinge, but with no spots 
or markings other than the veins. The flies first appear in May 
(in Virginia), and remain until "right cold weather." They at- 
tack the cattle in the fields, probably never penetrating the sta- 
bles (Railliet). 

When on the cattle and sucking the blood, the wings are slightly ele- 
vated and are held out from the body, not at right angles, but approach- 
ing it — approximately an angle of 60° from the abdomen. The legs 
are spread out widely, and the beak inserted beneath the skin of the 
animal, and is held in nearly a perpendicular position. . . . The 
fly, before inserting its beak, has worked its way through the hairs, close 
to the skin. While feeding, however, the hairs, which can be seen over 
its body, do not seem to interfere with its speedy night when alarmed; 
for at a fling of the tail, or an impatient turn of the head, the flies rise 
instantly in a cloud for a foot or two, returning again as quickly and 
resuming their former positions. 

When the flies are abundant, the characteristic habit of clus- 
tering about the bases of the horns is indulged in. They do no 
damage at all to the horns ; the popular notions that the fly eats 
into the substance of the horns, causes them to rot, and lays eggs 
in them from which maggots hatch which penetrate into the brain, 
are all without foundation of fact. The flies congregate on the 
horns solely for rest in a place where they may be undisturbed. 
The resting position of the flies differs from the sucking position, 
in that while on the horn the wings are held nearly flat down the 
back, overlapping at base, and diverging only moderately at tip. 
The beak is held in a nearly horizontal position, and the legs are 
not widely spread. 

When feeding, the flies are found over the back and flanks and on 
the legs. During a rain storm, they flock beneath the belly. When the 
animal is lying down, a favorite place of attack seems to be under the 
thigh and back belly, around the bag. On the horns, the flies form 
clusters entirely around the horn for a space of two inches from the 
base; they seem to prefer the concave to the convex side of the horn. 

The eggs are laid by the flies in freshly-dropped dung, in the 
day-time, and are laid singly, never in clusters. The larvae issue 
within twenty-four hours after the eggs have been laid, and de- 
scend into the dung, not very deep. The larva? are dirty-white 
maggots, not more than one-third of an inch long. The larvae 
become fully grown in about five days, and descend into the 
ground below the dung from a half to three-quarters of an inch 
to pupate. The adult flies issue from the puparise in about one 



APPENDIX. 115 

iveek, so that two weeks is about the average^time from the laying 
of the egg to the appearance of the flies. "With four active 
breeding months, May 15 to September 15, there will be eight 
generations," so that the large numbers of the flies are not sur^ 
prising. 

Of the amount of damage done by the fly, Messrs. Riley and 
Howard ( Insect Life, loc. cit.) say : 

The amount of damage done by the fly has been exaggerated by 
some, and underestimated by others. We have heard many rumors of 
the death of animals from its attacks, but have been unable to substan- 
tiate a single case. We believe that the flies alone will never cause the 
death of an animal. They reduce the condition of stock to a consid- 
erable extent, and, in the case of milch cows, the yield of milk is re- 
duced from one-fourth to one-half. It is our opinion that their bites 
seldom produce sores by themselves, although we have seen a number 
of cases where large sores had been made by the cattle rubbing them- 
selves against trees and fences, in an endeavor to allay the irritation 
caused by the bites; or, in spots where they could not rub, by licking 
constantly with the tongue, as about the bag and on the inside of the 
hind thighs. A sore once started in this way will increase with the con- 
tinued irritation by the flies, and will be difficult to heal. Those who 
underestimate the damage believe that the flies do not suck blood; but 
such persons have doubtless watched the flies only upon the horns or 
elsewhere, in their resting position, when the beak] is not inserted, or 
have caught them and crushed them when their bodies contained little 
blood. In reality, the flies suck a considerable amount of blood, how- 
ever, and it is their only nourishment; if captured and crushed at the 
right time, the most skeptical individual will be convinced. 

Remedies. — The following notes on remedial measures are 
quoted from Insect Life (loc. cit.) : 

Pbeventive Applications. — Almost any greasy substance will keep 
the flies away for several days. A number of experiments were tried 
in the field, with the result that train-oil alone, and train-oil with a little 
sulphur or carbolic acid added, will keep the flies away for from five to 
six days, while, with a small proportion of carbolic acid, it will have a 
healing effect upon the sores which may have formed. Train-oil should 
not cost more than 50 to 75 cents per gallon, and a gallon will anoint a 
number of animals. Common axle grease, costing 10 cents per box, 
will answer nearly as well, and this substance has been extensively and 
successfully used by Mr. William Johnson, a large stock dealer at War- 
renton, Va. Tallow has also been used to gtfod advantage. The prac- 
tice of smearing the horns with pine or coal tar simply repels them 
from these parts. Train-oil or fish-oil seems to be more lasting in its 
affects than any other of the substances used. 



116 APPENDIX. 

Applications to Destroy the Fly. — A great deal has been said 
during the summer concerning the merits of a proprietary substance, 
consisting mainly of tobacco dust and creosote, known as "X. 0. Dust,"' 
and manufactured by a Baltimore firm, as an application to cattle, and 
it has received an indorsement from Prof. J. B. Smith, entomologist of 
the New Jersey Experiment Station. We are convinced that this sub- 
stance has considerable merit as an insecticide, and know from experi- 
ence that it will kill many of the flies when it touches them, although 
they die slowly, and a few may recover. The substance costs 25 cents 
a pound, and is not lasting in its effects. Where it is dusted through 
the hair, the flies on alighting will not remain long enough to bite, but 
two days later, according to our experience, they are again present in 
as great numbers as before. A spray of kerosene emulsion directed 
upon a cow would kill the flies quite as surely, and would be cheaper, 
but we do not advise an attempt to reduce the number of the pests by 
actually killing the flies. 

How to Destroy the Early Stages. — Throwing a spadeful of lime 
upon a cow-dung will destroy the larvae which are living in it, and as in 
almost every pasture there are some one or two spots where the cattle 
preferably congregate during the heat of the day, the dung which con- 
tains most of the larvae will, consequently, be more or less together, and 
easy to treat at once. If the evil should increase, therefore, it will well 
pay a stock raiser to start a load of lime through his field occasionally, 
particularly in May or June, as every larva killed then represents the 
death of very many flies during August. We feel certain that this 
course will be found in many cases practical and of great avail, and 
will often be of great advantage to the pasture, besides. 

Kansas Notes. — The Horn Fly occurs in France, and perhaps 
elsewhere in Europe, It was first noted in America in 1887. Dr. 
S. W. Williston, in an article entitled "A New Cattle Pest, " 
American Naturalist, vol. xxni, p. 584, says : 

On October 5, 1887, I received from Professor Cope specimens of a 
fly taken from the cattle of Mr. Thomas Sharpless, of West Chester, Pa., 
with the information, shortly afterward, that the flies had been observed 
during the year at that place in small swarms. . . . The flies, I was 
also told, were observed the same year on the land of Mr. George Pim. 
of Marshallton, Chester county. I am thus particular in giving the 
facts as told to me, for this is the first record, of which I am aware, of 
the introduction from Europe of a cattle pest that bids fair to extend 
itself over the whole United States, and be as troublesome as its nearly 
related pest, the well-known Stable Fly, or Cattle Fly, also European 
originally, Stomoxys calcitrans Linn. 

In September, 1887, specimens were sent to Dr. Riley from 
Camden, N. J. The following year the pest was reported from 
the same place, and also from Harford, Md. 



APPENDIX. 117 

By the summer of 1889 the pest had extended in numbers much far- 
ther to the southward, and the Department [of Agriculture] was early 
informed of its occurrence in Harford and Howard counties, Maryland, 
and Prince William, Fanquier, Stafford, Culpepper, Louisa, Augusta, 
Buckingham and Bedford counties, Virginia. Other scattering obser- 
vations show the migration southward and westward of the pest. 

Prof. Herbert Osborn, in Bulletin 13, Iowa Agricultural Ex- 
periment Station, May, 1891, says: 

• . . It is becoming distributed throughout the country. It will 
doubtless appear in this State in the near future, though at present 
writing, except for one uncertain statement as to its appearance in the 
southeast part of the State, I have seen no report of its occurrence in 
Iowa. 

At the third annual meeting of the; American Association of 
Economic Entomologists, held in August, 1891, Mr. D. S. Kelli- 
cott, of Columbus, Ohio, stated that the Horn Fly certainly has a 
foot-hold in central Ohio. He thought the fly was advancing along 
the Baltimore & Ohio Railway, and spreading south from Lancas- 
ter, a village near this railroad line. Mr. Lintner, State Entomolo- 
gist of New York, at the same time said that he had heard of the 
fly in the southeastern portion of New York State. In Insect Life, 
vol. ii, p. 144 (1890), P. T. Henshaw, under date of August 20, 
reports the presence of the Horn Fly in Kentucky. He says that 
the flies have been numerous all summer. P. H. Rolfs reports 
the pest in Florida in 1891 (Insect Life, vol. iv, p. 398, 1892). 
In Insect Life, vol. iv (April, 1892), the presence of the pest in 
Mississippi is reported by Howard Evarts Weed, a competent 
entomologist. He says it was noticed in his State in May, 1891, 
and on inquiry he found that the insect was "present in nearly all . 
of the eastern portions of the State." Referring to the probable 
destruction and abundance of the pest, Mr. Weed says : 

... It seems to me probable that it will eventually become a 
more serious pest in the Southern than in the Northern States." 

It will be of interest to note the first appearance of the pest in 
Kansas.* Its appearance in Illinois (see note at the beginning of 
the Appendix) makes it highly probable that the coming season 
will find it within the borders of our State. 



* See foot-note on page 113. One is led to reflect upon the increasing value of eco- 
nomic entomology as its number of observers grows larger, and it becomes possible to 
hoist warning flags in front of the destructive insect waves. 



INDEX. 



| The page references in italic figure? indicate the page where the principal discussion 

of the insect begins.] 

PAGE. 

Acrididce £1 

JEgeria exitiosa Say , 91 

Allen county 34, 77 

American Naturalist 116 

Amphicerus bicaudatus Say 81 

Anasa tristis De Geer 56 

Anderson county 18, 19, 40, 77 

Angoumois Grain Moth 50, 52, 53 

Anisopteryx vernata Peck 75 

Anisota rubicunda Fabr 101 

Anthrenus scrophnlarice Linn 109 

Ants 112 

Aphis maidi-radicis Forbes 20 

Aphis maidis Fitch 21 

Appendix A • 113 

Apple, insects attacking 67, 69, 73, 75, 78, 80, 81, 83, 85, 92, 103 

Apple-root Louse 73 

Apple-tree Borer 4, 7 

Apple-tree Tent Caterpillar 84, 85 

Apple-tree Twig Borer. 81 

Arsenic, not absorbed by plants . 12 

Ashby, G. W 73 

Ash, insects attacking 99 

Atchison county 34 

Bag-worm 3, 103 

Bag-worm, attacking large fruits 92 

Barton county 37 

Basket-worm — see Bag-worm. 

Bean, insects attacking 63 

Bean Weevil 4, 63 

Beckwith, M. B '. 11 

Benzine 10 

Bisulphide of carbon 10 

Biting insects , 1 

Blatta germanica Stephens 108 

Blissus leucopterus Say 13 

Borers — see Flat-headed Apple-tree Borer, Bound-headed Apple-tree Borer, Apple- 
twig Borer. 

Bourbon county ; 19 

Box-elder Bug 99 

Box-elder, insects attacking 99 

Brown county 21, 34 

(119) 



1 20 INDEX. 

Bruchus obtectus Say 63 

Bruchus pisi Linn 62 

Brackett, G. C 67, 69, 73, 75, 77, 81, 86, 88, 102 

Buffalo Beetle .109 

Buffalo Moth — see Buffalo Beetle. 

Buhach 9 

Bulletin of Iowa Agricultural Experiment Station 117 

Bulletin of Kansas State Board of Agriculture 94 

Butler county 34 

Cabbage, insects attacking 57, 59, 60, 61 

Cabbage Plusia 61 

Cabbage-worm — see Imported Cabbage-worm, Southern Cabbage-worm. 

Calandria sp 52 

Carbolic acid 10 

Carpets, insects infesting 109 

Oarpooapsa pomonella Linn 78 

Cassida sp 55 

Caterpillar, definition 8 

Cattle Fly (Stomoxys calcitrans Linn.) 116 

Cattle, insects attacking 113 

Cecidomyia destructor Say 29 

Cereal crops, insects attacking 13, 28. 29, 40 

Cereals, other than corn and wheat, insects attacking 41, 49 

Chase county * 34 

Chautauqua county 34, 77 

Cherokee county 34 

Cherry Aphis 90 

Cherry, insects attacking 80, 90, 103 

Cheyletus sp., attacking Flax-seed Mite 53 

Chinch-bug 1, 2, 5, 23, 33, 49 

Chinch-bug, attacking grasses and cereals other than corn and wheat 49 

Chinch-bug, attacking wheat " 40 

Chrysalid, definition of 4 

Chrysobothris femorata Fabr 69 

Chrysomelidce 17 

Clark county 26 

Clay county 34 

Clisiocampa americana Harris 85 

Cloud county 34 

Clothes-moth 110 

Clothes-moth Worm 3 

Cockroaches 108 

Codlin Moth 1, 3, 69, 78 

Coffey county 34, 77 

Conotrachelus nenuphar Herbst 87, 89 

Contagious disease of Chinch-bug 14 

Contagious disease of Chinch-bug, how to obtain and use infected bugs 15 

Cope, E. D -. 116 

Coptocycla sp 55 

Corn, insects attacking 13, 28 

Corn-louse 20, 21 

Corn-root Louse 20 

Corn-root Worm 7 

Corn Worm 21 

Corn Worm, attacking the tomato 66 

Cowley county 26, 34 

Crawford county 34 

Cucumber Beetle 4, 7, 65 

Cucumber, insects attacking 65 



INDEX. 121 



Ourcullo — see Plum Curculio. 

Dalmatian insect powder 

Datana angusii G. and R 98 

Davis county 34, 38, 39 

Davis, John 39 

Deming, N. P 75 

Diabrotica longicornis Say 11 

Diabrotica 12-punctata Oliv 19 

Diabrotica vittata Fabr 65 

Diagnosis, what it is 6 

Dickinson county 34, 38 

Differential Locust 42 

Dissosteira longipennis Thomas 43 

Division of Entomology U. S. Department of Agriculture, Bulletin of 44, 47, 48 

Doniphan county ." 34 

Douglas county 34, 38, 40, 53, 62, 66, 77, 86, 97, 99, 103 

Doyle, D 91 

Elk county ." 34, 77 

Ellis county '. 34 

Ellsworth county 34, 37 

Elm, insects attacking 103 

Empusa aphidis Hoffm 15 

Empusa aphidis, parasitic on Grasshopper 48 

Entomopthora sp., on Grasshoppers 48 

Eupelmus allyni, parasite on Wheat-straw Worm 36 

Eurycreon rantalis Guene"e 25 

Evergreen trees, insects attacking 103 

Experiment Station, Kansas State Agricultural College 64 

Fall Army-worm 3, 39 

Fall Army-worm, attacking corn 28 

Fall Army-worm, attacking garden crops 66 

Fall Army-worm, attacking grasses and cereals other than corn and wheat 49 

Fall Web-worm 3, 83 

Fall Web-worm, attacking shade-trees 105 

Feathers, insects attacking 110 

Finney county 47, 48, 49 

Fish-oil soap 10 

Fish Moth — see Buffalo Beetle. 

Flat-headed Apple-tree Borer 69, 75 

Flax-seed Mite 53 

Fletcher, J 8, 10, 11, 12 

Flowers, insects attacking 106 

Forbes, S. A... 16, 20, 29,^32, 60 

Formicidx 112 

Franklin county : 34, 75, 102 

Fruits, large, insects attacking , 67, 92 

Fruits, small, insects attacking 93, 95 

Furs, insects attacking 110 

Garden crops, insects attacking .55, 66 

Garden Web-worm 3, 25 

Garden Web-worm, attacking garden crops 66 

Garden Web-worm, attacking grasses and cereals other than corn and wheat 49 

Garman, H. A 107 

Gasoline , 10 

Gas-tar 10 

Qelechia cereallella Oliv 50 

Gibbs, George 46 

Gillette,C.P 8' 

Glover, Townend 16 



1 22 INDEX. 

Godfrey, A. N 59, 83, 85 

Grain Moth — see Angoumois Grain Moth. 

Grain Weevils 52 

Grasses, attacked by Chinch-bug 13 

Grasses, insects attacking 41, 49 

Grasshoppers — see Injurious Grasshoppers. 

Greeley county 49 

Green-striped Maple-worm lot 

Greenwood county 59 

Grub, definition of 3 

Hcemotobia serrata R. Desv 113 

Hamilton county 47, 49 

Harlequin Cabbage Bug 57 

Harper county 34 

Harvey county 34 

Heliothis armigera Htibner 27 

Hellebore - 10 

Henshaw, P. T . . . : 117 

Hessian Fly 1, 7, 29, 37 

Hickory, insects attacking 98 

Hopper-dozer 48 

Horn Fly of Cattle 113 

Horse-radish, insects attacking 57 

Household, insects infesting the 108 

Houston, D. W 77 

Howard, L. O 113, 115 

Hull, E. S 88 

Hunter, S. J 18, 19 

Hyphantria textor Harris 83 

Imported Cabbage-worm 59, 60, 61, 62 

Industrialist 113 

Injurious Grasshoppers 7, 24, 25, 41 

Injurious Grasshoppers, attacking corn 28 

Injurious Grasshoppers, attacking garden crops 66 

Injurious Grasshoppers, attacking grasses and cereals other than corn and wheat. . 49 

Injurious Grasshoppers, attacking large fruits 92 

Injurious Grasshoppers, attacking shade-trees 105 

Injurious Grasshoppers, attacking small fruits 95 

Injurious Grasshoppers, attacking wheat 40 

Insecticides 7 

Insect Life 16, 54, 64, 113, 115, 117 

Introduction 1 

Iowa Agricultural Experiment Station, Bulletins 117 

Isosoma tritici Riley 35 

Jackson county , 34 

Jefferson county .' 34, 40 

Johnson county . 18, 33, 34 

Johnson, G. Y 86 

Johnson, Wm 115 

Jones, V. S 47 

Kansas Experiment Station, State Agricultural College, Reports of 83, 100 

Kansas Farmer 39, 40 

Kansas State Board of Agriculture, Bulletins of 94 

Kansas State Board of Agriculture, Reports of . . . .18, 26, 33, 34, 37, 40, 58, 99, 100, 102, 103 

Kansas State Horticultural Society, Reports of 59, 69, 70, 75, 77, 80. 82, 84, 91 

Kansas State Horticultural Society, Transactions of 73, 77, 80, 81, 84, 86, 88, 92, 102 

Kearney county 49 

Kellicott, D. S 117 

Kelly, D. S 54 




INDEX. 



Kerosene emulsion 

Kiowa county 26 

Kitchen, insects in 108 

Knapsack sprayers 11 

Knaus, Warren 37 

Labette county 34, 40 

Lady-birds, attacking Chinch-buga 14 

Lady-birds, feeding on Apple-root Louse 74 

Lane county 83 

Laphygma frugiperda Sm. and Abb 39 

Larva, definition of ., 3 

Laundry, insects in 108 

Leavenworth county 34, 40 

Le Baron, Wm 16, 58 

Leptocoris trivittatus Say 99 

Leucania albilinea Guenee .37 

Life-stages of insects, explained 3 

Lime 10 

Lincoln county 34, 37 

Linn county 34 

Lintner, J. A, 74, 75, 117 

Locusts — see Injurious Grasshoppers, Rocky Mountain Locust. 

Locust tree, insects attacking 103 

London purple 8 

Long-winged Locust 43 

Lygus Uneolaris P. Beauv 80 

Lyon county 19, 34, 54 

Machines for spraying 11 

Maggot, definition of. 3 

Maple-worm, (see Green-striped Maple-worm) 3, 4 

Maple, attacked by Fall Web-worm 84 

Maple, insects attacking 84, 99, 101, 103 

Marion county 34 

Marlatt, C. L 113 

Marlatt, F. H .' 113 

Marshall county 34 

Marten, John 113 

Maynard, C. J 76 

McPherson county 34, 37 

Melanoplus bivittatus Say 42 

Melanoplus differentialis Thomas 42 

Melanoplus femur-rubrum De Geer 41 

Melanopl us spretus Thomas 22 

Melon Beetle — see Cucumber Beetle. 

Melons, insects attacking 65 

Metamorphosis, complete, definition of 4 

Metamorphosis, incomplete, definition of 5 

Miami county 34, 35 

Micrococcus insectorum Burrill 15 

Millet, attacked by Chinch-bug 13 

Mitchell county 34, 83 

Montgomery county 34, 77 

Morris county 34, 37 

Moulting, definition of 5 

Murgantia histrionica Hahn 57 

Murtf eldt, Mary • 54 

Mustard, insects attacking 57 

Myzus cerasi Fabr 90 

Naphthaline 10 



INDEX. 



Nemaha county , 34 

Neosho county 34, 77 

Newman. M. B , 33 

Norton county 34, 83 

Nozzle for spraying 11 

Orgyia leucostigma Srn. and Abb 9ff 

0*born, Herbert 47, 48, 49, 117 

Osborne county : 34, 3T 

Osage county 34, 77 

Ottawa county 34, 37 

Paris green 7 

Pea, insects attacking 62 

Pea-weevil 4, 62, 63, 64 

Peach, insects attacking 91, 103 

Peach-tree Borer 91 

Pear, insects attacking 69, 80, 103 

Periplaneta orientalis Linn 108 

Persian insect powder ■ 9 

Phlegethontius caro. ina Linn 64 

Phoxopteris comptana Froel 94 

Pieris protodice Boisd 60 

Pieris rapce Linn ' 59 

Platygaster sp., parasite of Hessian Fly 31 

Plum Curculio 87, 89 

Plum Gouger 89 

Plum, insects attacking 80, 87, 89, 103 

Plusia brassicce Eiley 61 

Popenoe, E. A 18, 21, 26, 58, 62, 64, 80, 81, 83, 92, 100, 113 

Pottawatomie county • , 34 

Powder guns 11 

Prairie Farmer 16, 28 

Prevention 12 

Pt< romalus sp. , parasite on Wheat-straw Worm. , 37 

Pupa, definition of 4 

Pyrethrum 9 

Quail, as a natural remedy for the Chinch-bug 14 

Quince, attacked by Fall Web-worm 84 

Quince, insects attacking 69, 80, 103 

Eailliet 114 

Baspberry, insects attacking 93 

Baspberry Saw-fly 4, 10 

Baspberry Slug 93, 107 

Bed-legged Locust 22, 41 

Bed Spider ; . . ., 106 

Bemedies 6, 7 

Benq county 34 

Beport, First Annual, of the Director of the Experiment Station,University of Kansas, 15 

Beport of Experiment Station, Kansas State Agricultural College 64, 83, 100 

Eeports of Kansas State Board of Agriculture ... .18, 26, 33, 34, 37, 40, 58, 99, 100, 102, 103 

Beports of the Kansas State Horticultural Society 59, 69, 70, 75, 77, 80, 82, 84, 91 

Beport of State Entomologist of Illinois 58 

Beport of State Entomologist of Missouri 28, 38, 102 

Beport of U. S. Entomological Commission 31 

Bice county 37 

Biley county : 22,24,34,100, 113 

Riley, C. V 8, 23, 28, 38, 39, 42, 43, 46, 48, 51, 60, 64, 89, 102, 108, 110, 111, 113, 115, 116 

Bocky Mountain Locust 22, 42, 44, 45 

Bocky Mountain Locust, attacking garden crops 66 

Bocky Mountain Locust, attacking grasses and cereals other than corn and wheat... 49 



INDEX. 1 25 

Rocky Mountain Locust, attacking large fruits 92 

Rocky Mountain Locust, attacking shade-trees 105 

Rocky Mountain Locust, attacking small fruits 95 

Rocky Mountain Locust, attacking wheat , . 40 

Rolfs, P. H 117 

Rooks county 34 

Rose Slug 106 

Rose-slug Saw-fly 4, 10 

Round-headed Apple-tree Borer 67, 70, 71, 75 

Rush county '. 34, 37, 38 

Russell county 34, 37 

Saline county - 34, 37 

Saperda Candida Fabr. . t 67 

Saunders, Wm 69, 84, 86 

Say, Thomas 69 

Schizoneura lanigera Hausm 73 

Sedgwick county 34, 105 

Selandria rosce Harr 106 

Selandria rubi Harris 93 

Semiotellus destructor, parasite of Hessian Fly : 31 

Shade-trees, insects attacking 96, 105 

Sharpless, Thomas 116 

Shawnee county 34, 52 

Sherman county 57 

Simmons, L. A 73 

Smith county 34 

Smith, J. B 8, 9, 116 

Snow, F. H 14, 15, 18, 26, 33, 34, 37, 40, 60, 94, 99, 102, 103 

Southern Cabbage-worm 60 

Southern Corn-root Worm 19 

Southern Corn-root Worm, attacking garden crops 66 

Southern Corn-root Worm, attacking grasses and cereals other than corn and wheat, 49 

Sporotrichum globuliferum Speg 15 

Sprayers - see Knapsack Sprayers. 

Spraying and dusting 10 

Spring Canker-worm 3, 7, 75 

Squash Bug 2, 5, 7, 56 

Squash, insects attacking 56, 65 

Stable Fly — see Cattle Fly. 

Stafford county 39 

Stored grain, insects attacking 50 

Strawberries, injured by Tarnished Plant-bug 81 

Strawberries, insects attacking 80, 81, 94 

Strawberry Leaf-roller 94 

Sucking insects 1 

Sumner county : 34 

Sweet potatoes, insects attacking 55 

Tarnished Plant-bug 80, 95 

Tarnished Plant- bug, attacking small fruits 95 

Tetranychus telarius Linn 106 

Thyridopteryx ephemeraiformis Haworth 103 

Tinea pellionella Linn 110 

Tobacco 10 

Tomato, insects attacking 64, 66 

Tomato Worm 2, 3, 7, 6i 

Tortoise Beetles 55 

Transactions of Kansas State Horticultural Society 73, 77, 80, 81, 84, 86, 88, 92, 102 

Turnip, insects attacking 57 

Tussock-moth Worm 3 



126 INDEX. 

Two-striped Locust 42 

Tyroglyphus sp 53 

V. S. Commissioner of Agriculture, Report of 16 

U. S. EntomoLogical Commission, Report of 31 

Van Deman, H. E 73 

Vegetables, insects attacking 66 

Wabaunsee county 34 

Walnut Moth 98 

Walnut, attacked by Fall Web-worm 85 

Walnut, insects attacking ". 98 

Walnut Moth, attacking large fruits 92 

Walnut-moth Worm '. 3 

Washington county 34 

Weed, C. E 81 

Weed, H. E 117 

Weevils — see Grain Weevils. 

Western Corn-root Worm 27, 19 

Wheat, attacked by Chinch-bug 13 

Wheat-head Army Worm 3, 37 

Wheat, insects attacking 29, 40 

Wheat Midge 7 

Wheat-straw Worm 35 

White hellebore — see Hellebore. 

White-marked Tussock-moth 96 

White-marked Tussock-moth, attacking the apple 92 

Williston, S. W 113, 116 

Wilson county ' 34, 77 

Woodson county 34, 77 

Woolens, insects attacking llo 

Wyandotte county 33, 34 



njr'BRARY OF CONGRESS 

021 486 494 



'i \ 



